Had lunch here once & enjoyed. Went for dinner over weekend. Food is reliable and good. Service was outstanding. Very nice atmosphere.
(4)
John C.
I really like the decor and laid back atmosphere which invites you to have a leisurely meal and a few glasses of wine. I like the cheese and meat options which you can mix in match according to your preference, the pizza is nice, and the tomato harvest soup is something special.
(3)
Kara M.
I've dined here twice. The first time, I ordered a pizza margherita and my husband ordered some beef entree - both of us hated it. I returned last weekend with a bunch of girls. 4 of us ordered a roasted veggie pizza and one ordered salmon. All of us LOVED our meals! Also - 2 of us shared a $20 bottle of wine that wasn't bad. Overall, a very good experience. I will definitely return.
(4)
Brian M.
I took a date here last Saturday night. I was looking for a quite place being that the Hawks game was on. This place was definitely good. It's a nice, quite, intimate place with good service, great wine selection and decent pricing. They have a nice bar area if your looking for a few quite cocktails and good conversation. Friendly staff and nicely located in DT Wheaton. 4 stars seems like a good rating for this place.
Right in the middle of one of the nicest downtown areas in the suburbs, you won't be disappointed with a visit to the Cellar Bistro. My wife and I have chosen it on more than one occasion as a spot to celebrate our anniversary or some other special event. The food is really pretty nice, and reasonably priced. The menu has a lot to offer in a pretty good range, and we've even been satisfied just getting appetizers, because they come in generous portions. The wine selection is impressive as well. The outside appearance might make it an easy spot to drive by and miss, but definitely pay them a visit.
(4)
Theresa O.
Stopped in for a glass of wine with a friend and was pleasantly surprised. The ambiance was very appealing - upscale, clean & inviting. The staff was all very friendly and greeted us with smiles upon walking in. The manager had a very good knowledge of the wine list and recommended certain wines to us based off of what we liked. We ordered the Baked Brie appetizer and it was absolutely delicious! It came with an amazing fruit spread, some candied pecans and some pears and raisin toast. It was phenomenal. Highly recommended! I wish we would have had a chance to try more of the food here - everything we saw being served looked amazing. They told us that all of the soups were even made from scratch - and the Mushroom Brie soup sounded incredible. (I'll make sure to try that on my next visit in!) They also have a very nice outdoor dining section if you're looking to enjoy the summer weather. It's a great Gem in the heart of downtown Wheaton. Definitely stop in if you're looking for a great wine bar with superb food & and a friendly waitstaff.
(5)
jim b.
One of the best places in Wheaton. Very good at what they do.
(5)
Philly C.
Underwhelming at best. I try to give places the benefit of the doubt as I don't mind paying big money for good food. That was not the case at The Cellar. $10 for chips and guac? $12 for a pizza that had old pancetta on it and $22 for pork tenderloin that was bland.....salt and pepper weren't enough to save it. The bill came to $168 including tip.....Ivy would have been a much better spot for that kinda cash. 2 stars given for the hostess and guitarist Jim Perona who is one of the best on the area. Happy they brought him in. Will not come back though.
(2)
Patti H.
Lovely little place with deliciously fresh fare. Staff is amazing. First time here; will not be my last.
(5)
Gary D.
As the other reviews have said the place is very inviting and cozy. The ladies will love the way it's decorated. (guys they don't have any tv's so don't expect to see any sports while you wait at the bar, although it's not meant to be that kind of place) We went for dinner Friday night and it wasn't very crowded so we were sat right away. We had a waiter who was very friendly and helpful. Service was fine. We started with the crab cakes as others here said they were so good and they were. She had the pear salad and I had couple of bites and it was also excellent. For my entree I had the chicken saltombocca (I know I murdered the spelling on that ) and it was so so. I wouldn't recommend the dish. The wine list is decent and prices are what you'd expect of a place like this, entrees $20 - $30. All in all though it was a very nice experience, would go again when in Wheaton!
(4)
Savannah S.
My boyfriend & I were directed here by a rave review from his dentist. We were initially thrilled to go, because the area was so nice and the outside was adorable. We could not have been more wrong. Upon our arrival, we got seated the farthest table in the very back. There was minimal lighting and nobody around us. Every other guest was up in the front by the windows on nice tables. One waiter & one busboy was running the whole restaurant. They were friendly, but very incompetent. We had a artichoke dip for an appetizer, it was okay. And then came our main meals. I had the salmon which was extremely undercooked, to the point where I was concerned I'd be ill after. My boyfriend had the gnocchis and they tasted like nothing. There was no flavor of any sort to them what so ever. We asked for the check and nearly fainted at the 60 dollar total when we only had 2 meals and an appetizer...we had water for our drinks!! We waited for 20 MINUTES for the waiter to pick Up the check and left as fast as we could. Extremely overpriced bad food, slow service and a terrible ambiance. I'm very disappointed.
(1)
Natalie R.
Came here with a group for lunch. Our server (woman with a pixie cut) was so flighty-it took an hour to get our entrees and no one was left in the restaurant. They came and took the flowers off our table WHILE we were eating because "we have to start prepping for dinner." Seriously?? The food was average at best, and we left annoyed and disappointed. First and last time at this place. There are much better places in Wheaton.
(2)
Diane H.
The food is fantastic. I mean truly amazing. I went with a group of friends during the day on a weekend for lunch. The place was nearly empty and we had to wait a bit for everyone to arrive. We ordered the polenta crostini for our appetizer and it was divine. Melt in your mouth delish. I had the crabcakes for my entree and same thing, very good. The service, however was pretty lax especially given there were only two other tables filled. I would def go back for the food and hope for better service to bump this baby up to five stars.
(4)
Keri H.
Great wine bar! The service is amazing and the wine is out of this world. Try the baked brie, it's delicious
(5)
B K.
Food was delicious. Wine selection was fantastic. Waitstaff was attentive and attractive. Had the Brie cheese plate appetizer, was very good. Then had the salmon, cooked to perfection with asparagus and polenta. I finished everything on my plate. For desert, I choose the chocolate cake. Yum! So good, we will be back. It's tad dark in there, but once we ordered it didn't matter.
(5)
Nicole W.
Located on the corner of Hale Street in Downtown Wheaton, this place needs to be heard. I had their "Wrap," which consisted of blackened chicken, lettuce and a creamy sauce perfectly portioned and wrapped up in a tortilla accompanied with potato salad. The richness and creaminess of the potato salad, and the consistency of the same size pieces of the red skinned potatoes, were delectably appreciated. The simplicity in flavors and preparation leaves me recommending this place to anyone who is a food lover.
(4)
Dorian D.
Because Yelp won't let you vote zero stars. Our group of 7 arrived at 11:30 AM for Sunday Brunch and were seated immediately, because there was only one other table occupied. We ordered our drinks and they came out quickly, except the server failed to open the bottle of wine. We let that go and ordered starters and appetizers quickly because of the time schedule we were on. The starters came out and were good. Since my wife, daughter and I had eaten at Cellar Bistro a few times since moving to Wheaton a few weeks ago, we were excited to showcase this spot to our friends sending their kid to Wheaton College. After our starters the wheels fell off fast. Our 5 year old daughter's pasta never came out with the appetizers. We let that go, but our entrees didn't follow either. So we waited until 12:30 to ask about our food. Other tables were coming in and being served, but not us. They said it will be out shortly. At 12:50 we asked again and they said it will be right out. No other explanation, just that it will be right out. Nope. At 1:05 the food finally came out. The burger was well done and clearly had been under the warmer for some time. The quiche my wife ordered was runny and flavorless. My banana stuffed fresh toast was dry - also clearly under the warmer too long. We needed to ask for the check immediately and they took 50% off the bill. Woo Hoo, 50% off bad food and having to wait an hour and a half. NO THANK YOU. While we didn't short the server on her tip (tipped 20+% on what the check should have been), we wondered why she wasn't supporting us, her clients, since we supported her. This is sadly disappointing. We love Wheaton and encourage others to find this great town as their hometown too, but unfortunately, unless this situation is corrected to our satisfaction we will spend our money elsewhere and wait for a new spot to takeover this failing location...which won't be too long at this rate.
(1)
Kelly V.
Will never return here again! I went here to catch up with two close girlfriends who I haven't seen in a while. We decided to try a new place and chose Cellar Bistro due mainly to our love of wine. While the wine was good, as well as our dinner, the service was extremely disappointing. Our server was very nice and gave great recommendations when asked for her advice on wine and entrees. However, once our meal was complete and we were given the bill, we had someone come up to our table multiple times within minutes of setting down the bill to see if we had taken care of it. Once we paid, a couple minutes later a gentleman, who I can only assume was the manager, asked if we were finished and would move so some people at the bar could have our table. We were enjoying our conversation and thought he was joking. What restaurant asks if you are finished so they can seat other people? At first we just kind of laughed it off but when the manger returned yet again and said "I have three nice seats at the bar for you" we were so annoyed that we got up and left. It's unfortunate as the food and wine were good, but I have NEVER had a manager or anyone else at a restaurant ask if we could leave our table so others could use it. We are paying customers and should be able to sit there as long as we please. That is bad customer service and you can guarantee we will NEVER return here again!
(1)
Mark P.
Why is this place always seem empty when we walk by? We have had better, but the atmosphere was good. The service by John was really good. I'd recommend him, just wish at a better restaurant. Good appetizers, but my chicken saltambucca tasted bland and boring. Maybe it was an off night, but we probably won't be back.
(2)
Mary B.
Definitely plan to go back. Enjoyed the smaller, intimate atmosphere, and of course the food. Generous glasses of wine and warm, friendly service. I think it can be a bit pricier than reflected on Yelp, so that's my only reason for 4 vs 5 stars. The manager came over to make sure everything was alright. Not just a fly by visit, but seemed sincerely interested. That's always a nice touch. Got there around 5:45 on a Friday night, had made reservation. Was fairly quiet at that time, but was full up by the time we left. Mushroom Brie soup recommended by my friend was excellent. I had a Dover Sole special which was very good, but on the pricier side. Parking garage close by, but you may find street parking depending on the time.
(4)
Dawn W.
We are spoiled by eating in the city, so our comparison is biased. The food is good, but slightly high priced for what you get. Lacking in flavor. They did hold our reservation when we ran late, which was very nice of them!
Pretty good. Fast quick service. We went for a Sunday brunch. My meal was delicious! Eggs Benedict of some kind, forgot the name. An the charcuterie plate for an app. 4 meals, 4-5 drinks total, and an app= 100.00
(3)
Clifford S.
What is even better than a visit to a historical museum? A great place to have lunch beforehand! This is a solid restaurant with great atmosphere and food. The service was perfect and ther server pointed out some dishes to try. I began with the tomato basil soup; I love soup because of soups like this. Then I had two small burgers with garlic and other seasonings. It was the best of both worlds - got to go to the kind of foodie place my wife likes and I still got burgers and they were outstanding. Finished up with dessert and went to visit Cantigny. Historical outing preceded by burgers and accompanied by my wife. Life is damn good.
(5)
Joan R.
Went for lunch. My mushroom soup and salad were very good. My friend's quiche was not warm. The waiter was not interested in us at all. Forgot we wanted separate checks - forgot who ordered what - after we left he ran to my car and said I took the signed copy of the payment - I hadn't. He acted like a first-day waiter. I would go again for the food though.
(3)
Kathleen M.
I really loved this place but full disclosure, it's not in a cellar! It is a cheerful cute spot where my husband and I had a tummy filling yum experience. I had bookmarked a couple of restaurants in Wheaton and after we parked the car we set off to explore them. This was the first one we encountered and I just really liked the look of it. Most people were eating outside the day we went there so we had glorious privacy indoors. I ordered a raspberry Italian soda and the mushroom/brie soup and both were fantastic! I thought, wow, this is enough goodness to merit the trip here. Then we both had hamburgers, my husband had two of the garlic burgers and I had one of the wimpy ones and it was just perfect. Great meat, delicious bun and crispy lettuce, tomato and onion on top with a homemade mayo/mustard spread. I adored it. I had wanted to explore more and maybe get dessert at another spot but I was on a roll. Could this be the Holy Grail of lunch where I like every single course? Monty Python has nothing on me so I plunged on ordering a Cappuccino and splitting a cake with my husband. Not just any cake, no sireee. This was Kathleen's Chocolate Cake, I am not lying, it was named after me! And moist, chocolately perfection that was masterful with my cappuccino. I liked every single thing I ordered, that is very rare. I can't wait to go back. I just wonder what food they will name after me next!
(5)
Heather H.
Wine tasting dinners are good, parings are perfect. The mushroom Brie soup is to die for. Service is alright. Make sure you aren't in a hurry.
(4)
Elizabeth T.
We took some friends from out of town to dinner here and in all four cases, our meals were disappointing. The pork tenderloin and the fish were very overcooked, the lamb dish was "strange tasting," the bistro wedge salad was just sad and the sausage bean soup of the day was flavorless We should have stopped with the appetizer, the bruschetta, which was DROWNED in vinegar. It was all you could taste. We were virtually the only people in the restaurant so it is hard to understand how such little attention was paid to our meals. We love to eat local but this was just a bad choice.
(1)
Emily H.
Overpriced. Okay food. Moved to Wheaton from Chicago, so I'm spoiled...but I'll pay good money for good food any day. Paying good money for mediocre food does not sit with me well though. I get what they are trying to do, but if the quality isn't there, the prices shouldn't be so steep. It really upsets me that my husband and I shared an appetizer, salad, and main course (with wine of course) and we spent what we used to spend at a 5 star Chicago restaurant. I just wish the prices matched what we ate. We sadly probably won't go back. :(
(2)
Krissy S.
My hubby and I come here because of their chill and warm ambience (yep, both!) food is great. I love their penne with sun dried tomato cream. This place is nice for a date night. 4 stars only because I know this place can still be improved.
(4)
Robin A.
Great cozy atmosphere and fresh ingredients! Try the butternut and pear soup. Yum! My husband and I had a nice kid free lunch and the service was impeccable!
(4)
N K.
Overall, disappointed with my first trip to Cellar Bistro. I'm new to Wheaton and read so many wonderful things about this place we could not wait to try what sounded like a "gem" of Wheaton. Our waiter took 20 minutes to come to our table. He stopped by after 10 minutes to say he would be there, but it took him another 10 minutes to then finally come bring us drinks - let alone water. He was clearly overwhelmed, having been given too many tables, so I think it's the fault of the restaurant owner/manager. One enjoyable item was the bacon wrapped dates. However, I've had them just as well prepared elsewhere, if not better, and $14 for six of them was too much to pay. The pear salad was awful - far too much cinnamon, missing acidity in the dressing, and had the oddest seasoning combo. Just a big miss. My friend enjoyed the scallops, and were likely the best of all we ordered. My salmon was poorly prepared: overcooked, tough to cut, little to no seasoning or taste, and the mustard on top was basically squeezed on like you would do to a hot dog. The polenta was more like a polenta cake - chewy, tough to cut, and missing any real flavor. Also, the entire dish was not served hot - so disappointing. Was expecting so much more!
(2)
Amy P.
Great, cozy place. Amazing Brie, overall a great place to eat. Definitely planning to return.
(4)
Liz K.
Thanks to yelp I was able to find this cute place when we were around Wheaton. I have never been to downtown Wheaton! The place is very cute...fits the name perfectly. :-) Our waitress was friendly and helpful since it was our first time there. We started with Mushroom Brie soup (sooo good I practically licked the bowl) and cauliflower curry soup (I hate cauliflower...but it actually was good). Then we ordered the sliders and pizza...wow was I surprised by the size of my pizza (hoooray for leftovers!) We really liked the food and I loooooved the unique potato salad that came with the sliders! We didn't order wine since it was lunchtime, but they had an extensive list. This looks like a great place to go to on the weekends. I am so glad I found this place through yelp!!
(4)
Mariam K.
Cute little spot. Came here for a birthday dinner so we had ordered quite a few dishes. Nothing we ordered stood out to me too much. The only items I remember liking a lot were the pear salad and the crab cake - both were really good... I think almost our entire party had ordered the pear salad. My most favorite thing here was the brownie with mint chocolate chip ice cream! I live about an hour away... but I think I wouldn't mind travelling all the way back here just for the dessert, it was that good.. I can't stop thinking about it!
(3)
Kathy L.
Attentive service, delish food, and a chic atmosphere! I've been twice now, once for dinner and today for lunch. Had the mushroom Brie soup both times- SOOOoooo good!
(5)
Joy S.
Had lunch at the Cellar Bistro today, a Saturday, with a party of 8. Street parking was readily available and I believe a free parking lot/garage is around the block. I ordered the Bistro Burgers while another ordered the salad topped with Salmon, and we shared. I ordered the burgers MR with white cheddar cheese, they arrived well but still delicious, moist and not offensive with garlic. They came with tender, nicely seasoned oven roasted potatoes. The salmon was nicely seasoned and perfectly cooked and the salad was a mix of leaves of many colors, red onions, shaved carrots and capers in a lovely vinegar/oil dressing. Among the 8 diners, an assortment of dishes were ordered, and everyone was pleased. The salmon salad and the burgers were $12 or $14, coffee was $4 and very good, and a cup of the wonderful mushroom, brie soup was $4, bowl is $6. If you like mushrooms, you'll love this soup. Service was pleasant, prompt and unobtrusive (no "Hi, I'm Bambi and I'm here to interrupt your conversations &/or disturb you every 5 minutes to ask if everything is all right). Samantha and staff were quietly observant and provided what was needed at the proper time. I can only surmise that the complaints here are from envious competitors. The flowers on the table were real. Sidewalk seating is available in nice weather. The chocolate cake dessert was not chocolate in color only, it had a rich chocolate flavor. Our separate checks were handled efficiently and there was no service charge added. These 8 traveled from LaGrange, Downers Grove, Bartlet, and Schaumburg. All would be happy to return to The Cellar Bistro.
(5)
Sarah L.
It's ok. I prefer other restaurants in Wheaton, especially for the price. It's too bad because the atmosphere is nice and their outdoor seating is pretty cozy looking. I have *heard* they have good desert.. so maybe I'll come back to JUST try that at the bar. On a side note, one thing that drives me nuts is watching servers have to go up and down stairs to deliver food every single time..oh my god! We tried the pizza and let me just say there is better pizza in Wheaton. I could be convinced to go again but not a go-to for me.
(3)
Damian O.
One of those places that gets all local produce and ingredients. The burger I got was the juiciest I have ever encountered, and my only side options were chips or a potato salad (which was craycray good). Very fresh and delicious. A smidge pricey but I would definitely go again.
(4)
Andy K.
This is a great place for a date night. Love the ambiance and the outdoor seating in the summer. The wine list is excellent and their staff has a knack for recommending the perfect pairings for the meal. Now to the food. I've never had anything disappoint me. Plus, it's not your typical american fare. They have a lot of nice options that have something for just about anyone. Plus, they support a ton of local causes. I got a $10 gift-certificate here from Wheaton North HS. If you're thinking about dining here, I highly recommend checking out the store at goboostershot.com . You can get the same gift-certificate while supporting a local organization. It's definitely a win-win situation.
(5)
Eric N.
Enjoyed one of the outdoor tables over the weekend. Nice location with a bistro atmosphere. I would recommend the mushroom brie soup and salmon salad.
(4)
Kelly B.
My friends and I ate here on a beautiful night so we sat outside. Even though our table was on the sidewalk, it was pleasant. Our waitress was very sweet and attentive. I was disappointed when I discovered that this wine bar was out of the wine I wanted. Bummer. We shared the bruchetta appetizer. It wasn't very good. It had a really strong vinegar flavor and hardly any cheese. I had the beet salad, which was fresh and delicious. I then ordered the tuna wrap. It was good, and the price was right. I think it was $10, which was one of the cheapest thing on the menu. The tuna was cooked perfectly and the wrap was tasty. However, I was not a fan of the potato salad side that came with the wrap. My friend ordered the scallops and she let me have a bit. I love scallops, and The Cellar Bistro cooked them perfectly. If I ever went back here I would order the scallops.
(3)
Erika C.
In our recent tour of downtown Wheaton night life this was our second stop. It was hopping at 9 pm on a Saturday evening which is a good thing. We scored 2 seats at the bar pretty quickly and sat for a couple cocktails and dessert. The bar was friendly and they had many good choices of wine by the glass at good prices. The bartender was welcoming but not particularly knowledgeable about the wine. Oh well, I can pick my own. I have a thing for creme brulee so we ordered that and their dessert special marscrapone cake. Okay, my creme brulee thing goes way back, to like childhood. Seriously. Good creme is hard to find but I keep trying and trying. I found some delish creme Saturday night in downtown Wheaton...mmm hmmm. The marscrapone cake was nothing to mention . The scene and decor were a little dated ,"Tuscan wine Cellar" it was" romantically" lit (read good place for a cougar outing). We will be back for dinner or maybe a ladies lunch...meow.
(4)
Jennifer F.
I wish I could say it was because of the food- however I never got to tryi it. The place wasn't even full ( no wait and many tables), however they refused to seat me anywhere except the high top tables. Clearly, with a disability and a dog that does brace work this would not be appropriate. ( I want to be CLEAR they never hasseld me about the dog that was not a problem) I also was by myself with my school books- that's what I think really did me in. If I had been with a significant other- which I do not have, I think I could have sat in one of the many other open spaces. I chose to pass on the less than optimum seating in favor of another place in downtown Wheaton with a not so snooty staff. I do hear the food is very good here, however I will take my business elsewhere.
(1)
Laura D.
I really liked this place, and I was glad that my husband and I finally got to explore it! We used a coupon deal and then explored other items, too. My husband and I shared the fried polenta with roast corn and manchego cheese. Then my husband ordered the Bistro burger, which the waiter was awesome about explaining that it is actually two smaller burgers, and I ordered a cup of the black bean soup and the beet salad. Both were delicious and not too heavy. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was cozy and romantic, and I am definitely going to come back!
(4)
Jan F.
Service is awful, empty tables yet they push you to spend in the bar, and want you to eat there. Have had good experience in past. But maybe management has changed. Find a friendlier venue, this one has really gone down hill
(1)
Mark K.
Just dined here for first and last time. Server had a nice personality and was somewhat knowledgable about menu and wine list. But, too many fatal flaws. First, our dinners were served without forks. When we informed our server she went inside (we were dining in the outside area) to get them. About 4-5 mins pass and still no silverware, while our food sits there getting cold. I go inside to inquire and there's our server waiting at the bar for my wife's wine order. After signaling to her that we still needed forks she eventually brought out the forks and the wine. I guess she didn't want to make two trips. Second, the food. Small portions for one. Chicken saltimbocca was tiny, and oddly paired with mashed potatoes and peas. My fault for thinking this might work because it didn't. Third, my wife's first cut into a large shrimp resulted in the shrimp disintegrating. That's right, a soft, bad shrimp. The odor was indescribable in a bad way. Lastly, upon informing our waiter of the bad shrimp she said sorry and would Inform the manager. The check arrives, we get ready to pay a full bill of 100 bucks or so, and I ask her out of curiosity what the manager had to say about the bad shrimp. Her reply was she forgot to tell him. Really. Now, she did adjust the bill by 9.00. Fair enough, a simple apology and please come back would have sufficed. One and done.
(1)
Patricia L.
The food was delicious - I had the Beet Salad and Wrapped Dates (YUM) for dinner -- my husband had the Chicken Saltimbocca (which he deemed 'perfect , light comfort food'). We were seated within minutes at an outside table, Stephanie was our server, and she couldn't have been the more perfect blend of attentive and elusive. I really love this place as a date night spot with my husband, (and the lunches are SO perfect, decadent yet healthy) -- varied menu, healthy choices, seating options (inside, outside, bar) and good service. Thanks Cellar Bistro.
(5)
Andrea F.
Oh boy! I had high hopes for this place based on previous reviews. I booked a reservation for a Tuesday night, no problem. We arrive and were seated promptly. The place had about three other tables when we arrived for our 630 reservation and by 7:00 almost every table was filled. Now I don't know if they didn't schedule enough staff for that evening or if they are just short handed? The same server was waiting on the majority of the tables which in return weeded her completely. Our soup came our before our appetizer and there was a 40 minute gap between the appetizer and entrees! Entrees finally came and it was nothing special, in fact they are over priced for what they serve. Disappointed in every way needless to say. Also,We were celebrating a birthday which was never acknowledge. They were under staffed for the night which effected every aspect of what you would expect out of a quality dining experience. Note to the owners, it's best to staff as if your going to busy and if your not....send people home!
(2)
Howard L.
We came back for dinner and had their prosciutto-pineapple-jalepeno pizza, and their pork medallions with mashed sweet potatoes (again). Great dinner, great service, friendly folks, and good value here. In spite of their extensive (but also more expensive than our last visit!) wine selection, I also tried their raspberry ale and red wheat ale ($5 each), and both were delights, especially with the pizza.
(5)
Karl C.
I never know what food to order whenever I'm at Cellar Bistro. This isn't because there are so many home run menu items, it's because their menu always seems so limiting. The Bistro clearly built its establishment around serving wine: their wine list is pretty sizable, the decor is nice but subdued at the same time, the lighting is easy on alcohol-induced glazed eyes, and they even have paintings on the wall of wine or people sipping on wine. Wine is great but if your party's not in the mood to throw back a few bottles, your choices are numbered. As far as beer is concerned, they have Miller Lite and one Two Brothers brew on tap, and they may have Beck's in bottles. And that's it. Their food items are all geared toward a higher-end audience: they're all pricey and fancy. My girlfriend enjoys it here so, at times, I've come here in a red-blooded American type of mood and I haven't been satisfied. Cellar Bistro's a nice place but it's kind of like listening to Michael Buble. You really need to be in the mood for it and it's almost necessary that you have a glass of Pinot Noir in hand -- because I'm not drinkin' any f-ing Merlot!
(3)
Mary J.
We had a nice meal here and even though the place was pretty crowded, it was still kind of quiet and mellow. We had the shrimp appetizer and then I had the tuna wrap with a pear salad. Both were very good. Hubby had a special which was pasta with some tuna on it. There was a big table next to us with some kids and they were pretty well behaved. Two were older and one was a baby. This is NOT a place for a toddler who can't stay in his/her seat. There is nowhere for them to roam! I've had some dietary issues lately and I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have a gluten-free menu here. There are quite a few items on it, not as many as the regular menu, but still lots to choose from. We used a restaurant.com gift certificate to pay for our meal and hit a speed bump. Apparently the restaurant is concerned that gift certificate holders are not going to tip their servers enough. When we got the bill, the total of our meal showed the gift certificate deduction, but then there was another line that said something like SERVICE FEE and then there was a blank line for a tip. Neither one of us could figure out what it meant. A service fee for using a gift certificate? It was so confusing! Turns out, that the SERVICE FEE is the suggested tipping amount on your original charge before the gift certificate. I didn't like that whole setup. It made me feel like I was dealing with a used car salesman and kind of ruined my nice mellow meal.
(4)
B J.
Walked in to have a drink at 6:30 on a Saturday night. The bar was full and there were maybe 6 empty tables in the place. We told the hostess we just wanted a drink and an appetizer, but she looked flustered and wandered around looking at other people's tables to see if there was somewhere we could sit. She ended up telling us we could wait 10 to 15 minutes for someone to finish dessert. It was so awkward, we left. Never saw someone so confused by having people want to sit for 20 minutes and have a drink.
(1)
Joe E.
Cellar Bistro is a nice, quaint little place. I went for lunch a few weeks back and it was ehh. Our table ordered a quiche special they had, the pepperoni and italian sausage pizza, and the chicken skewers salad. We also ordered a spinach and artichoke and chips appetizer. The atmosphere is very nice at this restaurant. Dimly lit and relatively quiet on Monday afternoon. The food was ehh. The pizza was the standout of the group, the charging 12 dollars for 2 chicken skewers and pieces of Bibb lettuce? Yikes. The quiche wasn't amazing but not terrible either. This restaurant is probably a 3 overall. It's a bit pricey, but the decor of the restaurant is relaxing. This is a good dinner date place, and it's probably going to dent your wallet a bit more for dinner time. I'm a Wheaton resident and this was the first time I'd been here. I wouldn't rush back, but I wouldn't avoid it again all together either. Go for Dinner
(3)
Eli H.
I'm sort of surprised by the number of reviews here ranging from mediocre to negative. We went for lunch earlier this week and I couldn't be happier. I had a really great tomato basil soup and a tuna wrap. Both were fantastic. Prices seemed a little on the high side, but I suppose that's a product of eating lunch in the heart of downtown Wheaton.
(4)
Crys A.
The brie appetizer is to die for. Smallish bar, smallish restaurant, but the service is good, especially the bartenders. Is Jeff Failing still there? He's a great bartender and overall great guy. Wonderful martinis. Cool ambiance, great staff, inviting decor and clientele. The food is great and it's in a nice little spot in downtown Wheaton, easy to get to, easy to enjoy. I very much recommend.
(4)
S S.
Food is delicious , nice place to share a bottle of wine and chill out . I wish they had better wine list.
(3)
Mo D.
I came here for the first time with my dad a few days ago, and I have to say I loved it. The staff was polite, the atmosphere was nice (like...umm... a cellar bistro kind of) and the temperature was nice even though it was freezing outside and the place is pretty small. My dad ordered the crab cakes as an appetizer, and I ordered the baked brie. My dad seemed to like his crab cakes, and my baked brie was delicious. It came with tiny slices of raisin bread, currant jam (I think), pecans, and pear slices. It was so delicious that I ate the whole brie and almost all the bread, and then I was stuffed and could barely work on my entree. We both ordered the sea bass that was on special. It came with leek and potato puree, artichokes, and green onion and prosciutto and something else green on top. The fish was cooked perfectly, not too dry. I brought the rest of it home, and I ate it the next day at work for lunch. I even skipped going out to lunch with my coworkers because I knew the delicious sea bass was awaiting me in my lunch bag. Very highly recommend!
(5)
Kim M.
We tried this restaurant for the first time last night for my 40th birthday. Even though the dining room is small, they accommodated our table of 7 beautifully. We felt welcome and comfortable, and the service and food were excellent. The staff was very understanding and did not rush us, even though one member of our group was quite late. The scallops were delicious, and my husband enjoyed his burger. Overall fantastic food and service. The atmosphere was welcoming and cozy. I was given a complimentary glass of champagne for my birthday. We'll definitely come back again!
(5)
Mike M.
Have eaten there several times for lunch and dinner, and have always had good service and great food. Outdoor seating is nice in the summer. Highly recommend the chips, cheese, apples, and spreads appetizer. Reasonably priced.
(4)
Tyler L.
I went there for the first time today for lunch and I was very pleased. I had the soup of the day which was the Chicken Tortilla and for my meal I had the Penne Pasta with Chicken which was delicious. The ambiance was warm and comforting, the staff was pleasant. I recommend The Cellar Bistro!
(5)
Emily S.
Had lunch with a client at the Cellar Bistro, and I was pleasantly surprised. The decor is a little cheesy, a little too "SEE! WE HAVE WINE BARS IN THE 'BURBS!" but maybe that's just me being an urban snob. The food was very good. I had mushroom brie soup, which was delicious and very generously sized. I also had the caprese salad, which was very fresh. I did not care for the balsamic glaze, but I am a caprese purist - I like mine like they make it in Italy: tomatoes, fresh mozz, basil, olive oil, sea salt, pepper. No balsamic. A colleague had a delicious-looking crab and avocado salad. I didn't hear any complaints from any of my dining companions. All in all, it was quite good.
(4)
Tim K.
We dropped in to the Cellar Bistro for a mid-week lunch. The decor is, well, bistro. The first thing we noticed was the high prices for the wine by the glass. They had one for $7, two or three for $8 and the rest were $9+. The menu is small. They were out of the quiche of the day. Our server told us they only make 7 "pieces" a day. We opted for the chicken skewers and the grilled salmon salad. The chicken looked over cooked by my wife said it was OK. It came with a nice vinaigrette and bibb lettuce not cheap iceberg as you might expect. The salmon was a large portion and was cooked thru. Just the way I like it. Service was prompt and friendly. Bottom line: We'll be back.
(4)
Elizabeth A.
My husband and I had a date night here (our first time) and were pleasantly surprised. I was a bit hesitant because the restaurant is so small but by the end of our visit that was actually something I found charming about the place. Our waitress was attentive and helpful at guiding me towards a wine I liked (I'm not exactly knowledgable about wines). My husband was a little disappointed with the beer selection but made do . The food was excellent! We had the bacon wrapped dates for an appetizer and they were amazing. Our dinners did not disappoint either. We will definitely be going back.
(5)
Billy M.
I'm vegetarian, and one of my guests is on a gluten free diet. We came for an early dinner, with a last minute reservation. Located in charming area of Downtown wheaton. Relatviely empty upon arrival, full when we left. I had The Wrap with grouper fish - it was unexpectadly, but very good. It came with a garlic potato salad which was the hit of the meal. It contained red potatos, chives, mayo, parsley, and garlic. Unusually, tasting, but the best potato salad I've ever had. My three kids ordered pizzas - A Margarita which could have been good, but was too bland, A Pepperoni & Bacon which had a tasteless crust, and a Kid's vcheese which was very oilly. Cellar Bistro has a brick oven, so their pizzas COULD taste fantastic, but from what I tried, they were only average. That being said, you don't go to a French-style bistro for the pizza. My final guest has a severe gluten allergy. She ordered Pork medallions with fruit and nuts, and a sweet potato mash. She isn't open to new foods, but she loved this. Our bill was $80 for 2 soups, a salad, 3 drinks, and 5 entrees. I look forward to returning.
(5)
Dianna R.
My mom, sister, and I ordered some dinner to go here last weekend for a nice quiet girl's night at home with my two week old niece ;) I really love Bistro food and found it difficult to make a decision what to order. My sister and I decided to split the pan seared vegetable pizza, and, for a starter, I ordered the citrus salad, and she got the pear salad. After ordering over the phone, the restaurant told us it would be ready in 25-30 minutes which was pretty spot on and there was no waiting when we arrived to pick up the food (despite it being a VERY busy Saturday dinner crowd). It may have partially been the fact that I was totally famished/exhausted, but I thought the food was amazing. My sister and I inhaled our salads and devoured all of the pizza (which if you have a relatively normal sized appetite is perfect for sharing). My mom loved the grilled chicken wrap and the bistro house salad, which sounded delicious, but I couldn't manage to steal a bite of either...oh well, maybe next time. So, as far as take out goes, I give The Cellar Bistro high marks. I must note though, this place really makes me want to come back, split a bottle of wine with friends, and feast on that cheese medley appetizer....doesn't seem at all like a bad way to spend an evening or two :)
(4)
Brad V.
Went there with the wife for a date night! The restaurant is small, or "cozy", depending on how you look at it. The staff is friendly and we didn't have to wait at all for a table. They placed us at a 2 seat table in the back corner, which I prefer because I hate sitting out in the middle of the dining room. We ordered the brushetta (spelling???) for an appetizer, which was really, really good. For my main entree' I had the grilled salmon. It was juicy (but not soggy) with a lot of flavor and great seasoning. For a side dish, I opted for the garlic mashed potatoes. They were really good, but nothing to get excited about. And for dessert, my wife and I shared a brownie topped with mint ice cream and whipping cream on the side. I'm a sucker for brownies a la mode! Can't get enough. Brownies and ice cream go together better than peanut butter and jelly. Overall this restaurant is great and I'd definitely go back and definitely recommend it. The price is about right for what you get. My only complaint is that the service is slow. We were on a time crunch so we could see a movie afterward and we ended up a little late. But I wouldn't let the slow service stop anyone from enjoying The Cellar Bistro!
(4)
J S.
We used to love The Cellar Bistro for a number of years however over the last 3 or so visits our love affair is over. What happened to them I do not know, the food quality has just gone down hill. I used to put up with the tiny tables & the wait when the food was good but no longer, I'm sorry but it's over.
(2)
Courtney W.
my husband and I stopped inn here looking for a new place to try. the place is small but we did not have to wait for a table on a Friday night. I ate the pork with spinach,walnuts and apricots,And my husband had the pepper crusted steak....we were both very happy with our food.We didn't have desert because we were too stuffed. the service was great too!!
(5)
Shannon P.
The weather and the wine were lovely. The service was astonishly distracted and the food was confusing. Server accidentally dropped a wine glass on the patio table, it shatters onto my husband, his person, my legs and the ground. We were moved to a new table and it was cleaned up..after another couple took the table. Apology was rapid but distracted. No utensils on the table for half the meal. We asked twice. We ended up sharing forks and one napkin for half the meal. The appetizer was mushrooms stuffed with blue cheese. Little hints of blue cheese and mostly Alfredo sauce inside of mushrooms that came with tortilla chips as garnish. Tortilla chips? With mushrooms? Pizza with chevre, olives and bacon but smothered in gobs of shredded mozzarella? Dessert would have been nice. We didn't have time. We asked for the check to be forgotten, again. My husband went inside to get it. The woman we asked for the check didn't relay to our server who seemed baffled. So many things could be done to help this bistro. Wheaton needs one. With all the BMW's cruising by, the potential is there. In my opinion, it falls flat. Tonight, it was confused food without a chef looking it over or coukd care less a out taste and experience. (Tortilla chips as garnish at a bistro; those corn chips were going out with at least three appetizers I saw.) At each and every point during the meal your service lacked grace or could make an elegant decision that would cost you a 30$ bottle of wine. You shatter a glass on us, you buy the person a drink. It's the polite thing to do.
(1)
Melinda A.
I really liked having this as an option so close to us. We will go back - however - husband's and friend's bison over cooked - waiter offered dessert on the house. Wine per glass does seem pricey. Pork with sweet potatoes - great! Mushroom brie soup - great! ambience - a bit cheesy and loud.
(3)
Lisa D.
Went to the Cellar Bistro for the first time this past Saturday night on a date. I was impressed by the interior and it had a good ambiance. Wait staff was polite but not very helpful in suggesting a wine. I was a bit surprised to see that the menu was very small and limited. Not many options if you are a picky eater. I was pleased that the portions were actually appropriate for one person. Being a Dietitian it's nice to see correct portion sizes! My date finished his whole plate and I finished all but a few bites. Overall, I think this was an OK meal. I was a bit surprised though that the menu didn't reflect items that are in season as they advertise they use local produce. I would recommend going if you like a small, warm environment and if you are not too particular about options. If you like to visit and drink after dinner they close early so you will need to find another after meal stop.
This was now the third time we have stopped in at this little, over-rated hole in the wall owned by Nick and wife/chef Kathy and were turned away at the door. It was 9:00 and we were told the restaurant was closed the last call was fifteen minutes prior (third time we heard that story), however there were couples drinking at the bar and diners in the dining room. Granted, all were winding down but all we wanted was a glass of wine and an opportunitiy to find out if our reccommendations for the owner's recent trip to Paris worked out. The service there is mediocre at best, the menu is a joke and the one thing they have going for themselves, the wine list cannot be sampled after 8:45 p.m.
(1)
Stephanie R.
We went to Cellar Bistro on a whim on a warm night. The dining room is very small and inviting. However, we were seated at a table that felt like it was in the middle of an aisle, and we had wait staff and other customers trying to squeeze between our table to get to other tables or the kitchen. The food was spotty; I ordered the lamb with cherry compote and was blown away by its taste and presentation. My husband agreed that it was very delicious. However, my husband's bison ribeye was lacking any flavor and it was overcooked. We're unsure whether we would return because of the range of quality in their entrees; if every dish was like the lamb, we would be back in a heartbeat!
(3)
Rachel T.
I went by myself, which was not very much fun, but the place was great. I understand some of the low rated- reviews here, but my experience was superb! I orded the lasagna and it was probably the best lasagna I've ever had! My boyfriend and I are going back next week so he can try it! The atmosphere is very cozy and the people are very nice, despite what other reviews here have said. If I were you, I'd give it a try!
(4)
Andrew K.
We've been here twice (on Tuesday nights) in the past several weeks. The first time we must have walked in just about the same time as everyone else. Even though they were busy the food was well prepared and our server (Meghan) was attentive. The next time we came in it was slow. Meghan remembered us, the drinks we ordered, as well as our food order. The service and food were great! We had the mini burgers and Margharita pizza. The price is not too bad either. If you are looking for a quiet place for a nice meal on a Tuesday night, this is a place. Definitely for adults though. I think kids wouldn't like it.
(5)
Jen F.
First, here's the context of our visit... So, we went on Valentine's Day, which may not be the best time to visit somewhere for the first time, but we couldn't make up our mind on where to go so we just popped in here after driving around downtown Wheaton for a while. We didn't have a reservation, and despite the room being mostly empty were told we would have to wait for them to figure out where to put us. Ok, understandable. We got a seat by the window, which was nice. Pillows on the banquette were a nice touch. However, it was freezing cold and I had to wear my jacket throughout dinner. Mood lighting was nice, and they had a guitar player noodling around to add to the romantic atmosphere. Wine list is not vast. A couple of choices in each category, many that you can find at Jewel or Dominick's. No flights available. A little disappointing for a wine bar. We ordered cosmos to start, which were not very tasty and $11 each. No garnish or anything special about them at all. The set Valentine's Day meal was a 5 course for $50 or so, with choice of fish or beef. We didn't know this going in but decided to roll with it since it was getting later in the evening. We sat for a long while before someone came to take a drink order. We asked about the menu and were put off. Little menu cards would have been a nice touch. We told our waitress about my allergy and when the other waitress brought out the appetizer it was not edible due to my allergy. Zero communication between waitress #1, #2 and kitchen. They quickly made an adjustment for me, which was great. Appetizer was good, creamy leek soup was divine, the salad was gross (shredded lettuce? really? very Taco Bell), entrees were so-so and dessert was just fine. I didn't feel like we got our $50 worth... quantity of food was there but quality definitely was not. We left full but not satisfied. Overall, we'll probably go back to try this place on a non-holiday, non-special menu day, but honestly we may just go to sit at the bar and enjoy the ambiance, since the food was so not impressive.
(2)
Cathy M.
Went on a Wednesday night with three friends. We asked for our salads to be brought, but to wait on the other portion until one more person arrived. They brought the salad and waited only five minutes to bring the rest. We had to ask three times for bread. The crab cakes were a huge disappointment...a thick bread crust on the outside....perhaps pre-made. The brie mushroom soup and the salads were great. Overall a nice place and the waiter was good for the most part.
(3)
Jesse K.
We were lured in by the sidewalk sign's promise of half-price martinis. Our waitress, a charming and slightly nervous girl, was very helpful and immediately remedied the greasy, finger-smudged wine-glasses on our table when we sat down. We ordered our martinis - his was a cosmo - oddly un-garnished, but tasty. My classic gin martini was tasty, but a bit watered-down. We were thrilled to hear that they had a lobster bisque. Who doesn't love a smooth, thick, creamy lobster-y bisque? It showed up promptly, watery, with corn, chunks of stringy lobster, and did we mention WATERY? It did not even smell like a bisque. It was more a thin chowder. We explained this to our waitress, who said "well, they call it bisque, it's bisque" (with a nervous giggle.) We did not stay on for dinner as we had planned, fearing the shrimp scampi would not be shrimp, or some other atrocity.
(2)
Lisa N.
Oh my gosh! My mom and I went here for my birthday dinner and I cannot say enough good things about it. I made a reservation, but the only tables were bistro tables, so mom and I decided to wait until a lower table was available and sat at the bar. We ordered a bottle of Woop Woop Shiraz and it was wonderful. Our bartender, Jerry, was very nice in his recommendations and service. When we were seated, we got our appetizer osf3 dips with crostinis and chips. Delicious! Especially the red pepper and white cheddar dip. I definitely recommend this! Yum! I had the red and yellow beet salad with goat cheese, and my mom had the deconstruted blue cheese salad. Again, delicious! Then on to our entrees. I had the chicken saltimbocca and mom had the surf and turf. A medium rare prime ribeye, perfectly cooked scallops, and beautifully cooked large prawns. We both had creamy but chunky garlic mashed potatoes, I had peas, she had mushrooms. I can't say enough how delicious both of our meals were. We got another bottle of wine when our first ran out. This time, Rivere, a Spanish blend. Another yummy bottle with just the perfect bite and smoothness. Even though we both had leftovers from dinner, we ordered the chocolate cake a la mode to share. I was pleasantly surprised as I don't normally like cake. It was amazing! In short, we both highly recommend The Cellar Bistro. It was the best experience we've had at a restaurant in many many years. Our server, Blaine, was exceptional in his service and recommendations and the assistant manager (I am embarrassed to say I do not remember her name), was also very nice and made sure we got our cake for free for my birthday. Jose is the chef - he deserves a lot of credit here - he is obviously an amazing cook as well as leader in this kitchen - and I would not change a thing about our meal.
(5)
Roland W.
I just don't understand how other people can rate this place so highly. I guess that's why it's good we don't all like the same things. Then life would be boring. Let's start with what I love about this place. The atmosphere, it's wonderful cozy romantic spot for dinner and that was the draw for me and my "date". On a side note, my date is married - to someone else. We used to be co-workers but now she's my best friend. Unfortunately she and her husband don't get out often so we try to have dinner whenever I'm in town. Nothing more than that. But I digress. Now on to what I'm not a fan of. The bar, great bar, knowledgable bartender, but only two choices of Vodka? Supposedly they were waiting on an order to come in. HMMMM On to the appetizer. We started with their form of bruschetta. Way too much vinegar. Dinner was also not memorable. Next we shared a plate of pesto stuffed mushrooms. Quite frankly I thought they forgot the pesto. I couldn't taste it at all. We ended the evening with a cheese medley which wasn't bad, but not memorable. Utlimately it was a wonderful evening, because I got to spend it with one of my most favorite people in the world. Next time we'll go somewhere else on our "date" Now I'll probably regret writing this reveiw because when I reviewed the Mexican place down the street the manager bordered on harassing me over his staff. Sorry, I just didn't like The Cellar Bistro, some may, I don't. But, if you're just looking for a friendly place to have a drink I would recommend The Cellar Bistro. Just don't stay for the food.
(2)
Jennifer B.
I went here with the hubs for my b-day and I absolutely loved it. The BBQ shrimp with blue cheese grits was the best meal I've had since my last birthday. I've been dreaming about those damn grits. The husband enjoyed his lasagna and the mushroom brie soup was spectacular. It's a nice place inside. The pictures on their web site make it look cheesy and like it's trying too hard. They need to get someone beside a 17 year old with a point and click camera to take some professional photos. The service was great too. We each got soup, a main dish, split a dessert and a bottle of wine for about $80.
(5)
Tracey M.
A hidden gem - hands down! The Wine Selection: The wine selection was vast. This is definitely a place I'd go to just for for drinks. Regardless if you prefer reds or whites there is something for everyone. I was in the mood for Riesling, but I wasn't sure which one. The waitress was nice enough to bring over samples of the two I had narrowed it down too. The Food: Everything on the menu sounded so good, but my mind was made up immediately once I saw the Grilled Salmon. It was very tasty. I really liked the dill sauce that it was garnished with. The Atmosphere: Just passing by I would have never guessed it was so nice inside. The modern decor is very nice. Just the right size - not too small, but not too big. Even when it's busy it wasn't so loud you had to yell so those at your table could hear you. Overall, a very pleasant dining experience and one I hope to repeat soon.
(5)
Mary K.
Had a wonderful glass of wine, mushroom brie soup was unique and yummy. My Mom picked the pear salad which did not disappoint, last but defintely not least we had the stuffed mushrooms. The wait staff was attentive and knowledgable. Will go back again for sure.
(4)
Becky G.
DH and I went there this past weekend, on a Friday night. I think I saw the place mentioned once online, but we really decided to go when we drove right by it looking for a place to eat. Waited about 3 minutes for a table (I guess one advantage of this terrible economy) and was seated by our nice and friendly waitress. The only downside to this place was the lighting at our particular table. I did like the nice romantic lighting, but our table in particular had about nothing. The waitress did have a little hand flashlight that was helpful. Wine was great, food was delicious. DH had the salmon and asked for a substitution for the asparagus (he's not a big fan). The waitress said he'd receive roasted mixed veggies instead. Well there happened to be asparagus in that anyway, but no big deal. I had the penne pasta with pork tenderloin, which was awesome. Just the right amount of food...not too much like one of those gigantic bowls of pasta at some places. Overall, I'd definitely go back. Great place to just have a glass of wine at the bar.
(4)
Elisabeth S.
I took my Mom here for her 53rd Birthday and I am very happy that we did! We sat outside and got to see all of the action going on it downtown Wheaton. The food was very good, a little pricey for it's portions but good. The wine was awesome and our server was great! Will definitely be making a trip back!!
(4)
John O.
Great little place. Nice atmosphere, great food variety and quality with some excellent small dishes.
(4)
Sarah G.
I've been here twice before. The first time I visited was about a year ago for lunch with a girlfriend. It was a lovely, light lunch. Although it was a little expensive, it was worth it. We had fabulous appetizers of hummus, salads, and for desert we ordered blueberry peach pie, which was incredible. The cost was slightly high, but it seemed to be worth it. This last visit, though, was a different experience. I went there on a date with my hubby, and the place was nice and full for a Wednesday evening (I like a place to be a little crowded--it shows that it's popular). The atmosphere was perfect for a date--dimly lit and warm & cozy despite the frigid air outside (17 degrees!). We ordered wine based on our server's suggestion, and we were happy with his knowledge and recommendations. For an appetizer, we ordered the crab cakes, which were nice and meaty (nothing worse than doughy, bland crabbycakes). We each ordered the specials of the day for our main course. My husband ordered a pepper crusted bison steak with potatoes au gratin and asparagus with kale. The bison was ok...but nothing extraordinary. The edges were tender, but the rest was tough, and the pepper masked the flavor of the bison instead of adding a hint of flavor to accentuate the meat. The potatoes au gratin were just...odd. Instead of being cheesy and creamy, they were slices of sticky potato slices bound together by a bland cheese and cut into a perfect cube. I ordered mahi-mahi with brown sauce set on a bed of mashed potatoes. When my food came, the fish was circled by stewed tomatoes, which were surrounded by green beans. It looked ugly, but I'm willing to overlook that if it tastes yummy. The fish was fine, but I could've easily made it myself and saved $30.00. It was crusted with a bland panko (it was supposed to be walnut). It sat atop garlic mashed potatoes, which weighed down the dish. The flavors didn't combine very well. On top of that, there were chunks of meat in the potatoes (I think it was some kind of pork or beef), which made the potatoes taste like a stroganoff flavor, and that REALLY clashed with the flavor of the fish. The ugly stewed tomato/ green beans that circled the plate were squishy and salty, but didn't compliment the dish. All in all, it tasted like a Chef Boyardee version of fish--I could've made something better at home and saved myself the $30. We ended up spending over $120 for food that was just...eh. I felt totally ripped off, especially after I'd had such good food the first time. It's not that the food was terrible, it was just that the quality of food didn't match the price we paid. Several weeks ago I ate at a restaurant with similar prices, but with food so amazing that I was disappointed when the meal ended. If you go to Cellar Bisrto, visit for lunch or stick with a safe (or less expensive) dish, and stay away from the specials. They're more like "sub-pars" than specials.
(2)
Gregory L.
We were lucky enough to sneak into Cellar Bistro for dinner before a show. We arrived at 6:30, and the place was packed. This is definitely a place to have reservations at dinnertime. There just happened to be a 2 top table available, and we were seated. The server was great and their menu really does have a Bistro feel. Some smaller fare, a variety of cheese plates, and a fantastic wine list. The atmosphere at dinner time is a bit frantic, though I can see this place having a more intimate feel later in the evening. A great lucky find.
(4)
Ron Z.
Perhaps I'm biased since I live in Wheaton, but the Cellar Bistro is a terrific little place for wine, appetizers or a light meal. Besides having great food, I think it's just a charming and cozy little place. When you realize it was a Hallmark store, the transformation is even more striking. On both visits, I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. They really know their wine and the menu. The place prides itself on the sourcing of it's ingredients as you'll find if you visit. Because so many items looked appealing, we were tempted to over order. Our server steered us away from ordering all at once. She was so right. The appetizers were delicious and very generously portioned. The salad with very fresh ingredients was also well done. I shared everything with my wife, and we decided we didn't need entrees. We were so pleased, we brought friends back on our next visit. We enjoyed wine and appetizers in lieu of a full dinner. Again, we really liked everything as did our friends. We'll certainly be back with more friends and expect to try it for lunch or a full dinner next time. I strongly recommend the Cellar Bistro. I'm not sure I'd drive a great distance to get here, but it sure gives the locals something to be proud about and to share with their friends.
(4)
B B.
Nice place for a few drinks and apps after work.
(5)
MR W.
pretty darn good. We ate outside and enjoyed a nice afternoon with a good lunch and wine. worth the trip
(4)
Anna W.
This is my favorite restaurant to visit when I'm home! Has been ever since it opened. The staff is as personable and charming as they come. The food is always, I cannot stress enough ALWAYS done to perfection. The ambiance is elegant and relaxing. You won't find a restaurant in all of DuPage county that is as elegant and tasty as this one. If you don't live in Wheaton, it's worth the trip.
(5)
Jennifer G.
Cozy, friendly staff, and I love the menu...I would go here every week if I could. I love the mushroom brie soup, the crab cakes, and everything I've had has been excellent. It's just nice to be there, in the candlelight and jewel-toned decor, sipping a glass of wine. I also appreciate that they serve locally-grown and organic items. I wish more restaurants around here did that. Yes, sometimes by the window in winter it can be chilly - I agree with that reviewer about that, but often have sat away from the windows and doors. Highly recommend.
(5)
Meghan L.
a nice place to get dinner and a glass of wine with your parents or something...nothing to go out of your way for, but definitely good for what it is. one complaint: the light is so low i seriously can't see anything in there. then again, i'm pretty blind.
(4)
nan B.
I've been here several times and have yet to be disappointed. I like this place because they care about serving quality food;(mostly organic, family owned vendors, free trade products). My favorite are the bistro burgers. You can order two or four as they are a bit smaller than the standard burger. They are really flavorful. Desserts are good. The handmade truffles ( my new favorite) are worth the trip for me.
(5)
Pat P.
I've had lunch here a few times and it's always good, perhaps because the salad I had the first time (pears, strawberries, walnuts, mmmm) was so good I get it every time! This time I had tomato soup first which was very good, not great, but my sister had their soup du jour, a Morrocan carrot soup that was outstanding! Always wonderful service.
(4)
Linda Y.
I love this restaurant. A girlfriend and I go there for lunch quite often, and I always get the quiche of the day. It's delicious, and a good size for a lunch entree. It comes with a small green salad and a very small fruit salad. I went to dinner there with a friend the other day, and ordered the pizza. Delicious again! And I had half of a pizza for lunch the following day.
(5)
Steve W.
Had to try this place out. It's pretty much the only restaurant my wife and I haven't tried yet in downtown Wheaton. We made reservations and got there about 15 minutes early. We ended up only waiting about 5 minutes before we were seated. I thought the atmosphere was really nice. Pretty much what you would expect for a "Bistro". However, the table they sat us at was in the back (which is not really a bad thing) but the table was low and in between two high tables so it made us feel a little.......I don't know......small I guess. But even that wasn't so bad. The problem was, the restaurant is kept very dark with nice mellow spot lights on all of the tables, with the exception of the table we sat at. I litterally had to hang out of my seat in order to get in enough light so I could read the menu and my wife had to take the candle and get it right up against her menu so she could see it. So o.k. It's not that big of a deal. The menu was pretty decent. Fairly small menu but it had some decent choices. We both got the Blue Cheese Wedge salad. It was mediocre at best. i think it would have been better with iceberg lettuce instead of the bibb lettuce and I'm not sure what the point of the "deconstructed" aspect of it was. I think I prefer my blue cheese wedge salad to be "constructed". My wife got the penne pasta with shrimp. She liked it for the most part but didn't like the VERY mayonnaisey sun dried tomato pesto aioli that it came with. I tasted it as well and you really couldn't taste any sun dried tomato. Mostly just mayonnaise. Yuk! I got the pepper crusted sirloin. I thought it was o.k. but it had an exremely smoky flavor to it, almost like it was smoked instead of char grilled and the pepper crust was a bit light. I like my pepper crusted steaks to be smothered. But that's my taste I guess. I also thought it was just a tad on the tough side as well. I was really expecting a nice tender steak. The garlic mashed potatoes were definitely lacking garlic. There was barley the tiniest hint of garlic. The artichoke and veggie hash and the blue cheese was good but the portion was so small it was almost non-existant. And there was also supposed to be a Valfrais horseradish that was an extremely small portion and any type of horseradish flavor was completely absent. So both of us had decided to skip on the appetizers so we would have room for desert. Excellent move on our part. The desert was fabulous. I got the mint chocolate chip ice cream on a chocolate brownie and my wife got the creme brulee. The server did forget the raspberries that were supposed to be on it but it was just an honest over site on his part and he did bring some out for us eventually. But BOTH deserts were wonderful!!! The server was very good and with the exception of forgetting the raspberries he did an excellent job. I thought the pricing was just a touch higher than it should have been but we did get two glasses of wine each and Irish Coffees with our desert so that probably added a little more to the bill. All in all, it wasn't bad, it wasn't great, it was just good. I would say about 3 stars worth of good.Bottom line.......will I go back there??? Well............maybe. Sushi Mono still gets my vote, without a doubt, for best downtown Wheaton restaurant!
(3)
Jay C.
I had a mixed experience with this place. My girlfriend and I came in at about eight on a Thursday. The place was moderately full. The first thing I noticed was the lighting: this place looks stunning, especially for a corner location. They really did a good job turning it around. It's a great date spot. We ordered a few tapas dishes and munched steadily throughout the night. The brie cheese and pecans were especially good. On the whole the selections were satisfactory, but not amazing. The real reason that this place got three stars instead of four was because of the service. Our waitress was running bar as well and because of the two or three patrons sitting there, my date and I got forgotten a bit. The other help seemed to be getting round to the tables quickly enough, but the fact is that we were unattended. Sorry cellar bistro, so close.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Tory B.
The ahi tuna wrap was delicious!
(4)Susan T.
Had lunch here once & enjoyed. Went for dinner over weekend. Food is reliable and good. Service was outstanding. Very nice atmosphere.
(4)John C.
I really like the decor and laid back atmosphere which invites you to have a leisurely meal and a few glasses of wine. I like the cheese and meat options which you can mix in match according to your preference, the pizza is nice, and the tomato harvest soup is something special.
(3)Kara M.
I've dined here twice. The first time, I ordered a pizza margherita and my husband ordered some beef entree - both of us hated it. I returned last weekend with a bunch of girls. 4 of us ordered a roasted veggie pizza and one ordered salmon. All of us LOVED our meals! Also - 2 of us shared a $20 bottle of wine that wasn't bad. Overall, a very good experience. I will definitely return.
(4)Brian M.
I took a date here last Saturday night. I was looking for a quite place being that the Hawks game was on. This place was definitely good. It's a nice, quite, intimate place with good service, great wine selection and decent pricing. They have a nice bar area if your looking for a few quite cocktails and good conversation. Friendly staff and nicely located in DT Wheaton. 4 stars seems like a good rating for this place.
(4)Ruth F.
Normally I don't review a place with this many reviews, but since the only vegetarian mention is from someone who eats fish, yes, the Cellar Bistro has several vegetarian (not fish!) options for each course, including appetizers, entrée salads, entrees, and pizzas. I suspect they have vegan options, as the beet burger comes with Vegenaise and is obviously not bound with eggs. We were here for lunch and ate outside. The interior looks nice but was extremely over air conditioned. Prices are what I'd usually expect for dinner entrees; we were also handed a beer and wine menu (I suspect the wine menu is the same as for dinner; multiple bottles in the up-to-$50 range and one $100 champagne). 7 of the 8 appetizers are vegetarian; 4 of the 8 pizzas are as well; 2 of the salads; 5 of the "favorites" and 3 sandwiches; both named soups appeared veg (didn't ask). Appetizers and salads are fairly standard without a lot of culinary adventuring, at least for the veg options (hummus; spinach/artichoke dip; bruschetta; pear/walnut salad; beet and goat cheese). We had the baked brie appetizer; the brie was fairly bland; we liked the quince paste and sugared pecans. The walnut bread with it was walnut, raisin, and citron - nice, but the citron fought a bit with the quince paste and meant every bite was fruity. I suppose the brie needed the help. I had the warm farro salad with kale and chevre, which came with little slices of bread. There was a lot of chevre, and the salad worked fairly well as a topping for the bread. The beet burger took an extremely long time to prepare (a warning in the menu would be nice); lunch took us an hour and a half and we really rushed through our main courses due to a 2pm appointment. The beet burger pleased my companion, who doesn't usually like beets. It wasn't a patty, more like a chopped beet salad (if it was "rolled in walnuts" we missed it). I thought it was nice enough. The roasted rosemary potatoes with it were perfection. I don't usually pay this much for lunch, and while the food was well-executed, it didn't truly shine. I'd come here again when I felt like a splurge staying local with lots of vegetarian options; otherwise I can either really splurge on fancy dining in the City, or eat new American for significantly less nearby, albeit with fewer choices.
(3)Jared W.
Right in the middle of one of the nicest downtown areas in the suburbs, you won't be disappointed with a visit to the Cellar Bistro. My wife and I have chosen it on more than one occasion as a spot to celebrate our anniversary or some other special event. The food is really pretty nice, and reasonably priced. The menu has a lot to offer in a pretty good range, and we've even been satisfied just getting appetizers, because they come in generous portions. The wine selection is impressive as well. The outside appearance might make it an easy spot to drive by and miss, but definitely pay them a visit.
(4)Theresa O.
Stopped in for a glass of wine with a friend and was pleasantly surprised. The ambiance was very appealing - upscale, clean & inviting. The staff was all very friendly and greeted us with smiles upon walking in. The manager had a very good knowledge of the wine list and recommended certain wines to us based off of what we liked. We ordered the Baked Brie appetizer and it was absolutely delicious! It came with an amazing fruit spread, some candied pecans and some pears and raisin toast. It was phenomenal. Highly recommended! I wish we would have had a chance to try more of the food here - everything we saw being served looked amazing. They told us that all of the soups were even made from scratch - and the Mushroom Brie soup sounded incredible. (I'll make sure to try that on my next visit in!) They also have a very nice outdoor dining section if you're looking to enjoy the summer weather. It's a great Gem in the heart of downtown Wheaton. Definitely stop in if you're looking for a great wine bar with superb food & and a friendly waitstaff.
(5)jim b.
One of the best places in Wheaton. Very good at what they do.
(5)Philly C.
Underwhelming at best. I try to give places the benefit of the doubt as I don't mind paying big money for good food. That was not the case at The Cellar. $10 for chips and guac? $12 for a pizza that had old pancetta on it and $22 for pork tenderloin that was bland.....salt and pepper weren't enough to save it. The bill came to $168 including tip.....Ivy would have been a much better spot for that kinda cash. 2 stars given for the hostess and guitarist Jim Perona who is one of the best on the area. Happy they brought him in. Will not come back though.
(2)Patti H.
Lovely little place with deliciously fresh fare. Staff is amazing. First time here; will not be my last.
(5)Gary D.
As the other reviews have said the place is very inviting and cozy. The ladies will love the way it's decorated. (guys they don't have any tv's so don't expect to see any sports while you wait at the bar, although it's not meant to be that kind of place) We went for dinner Friday night and it wasn't very crowded so we were sat right away. We had a waiter who was very friendly and helpful. Service was fine. We started with the crab cakes as others here said they were so good and they were. She had the pear salad and I had couple of bites and it was also excellent. For my entree I had the chicken saltombocca (I know I murdered the spelling on that ) and it was so so. I wouldn't recommend the dish. The wine list is decent and prices are what you'd expect of a place like this, entrees $20 - $30. All in all though it was a very nice experience, would go again when in Wheaton!
(4)Savannah S.
My boyfriend & I were directed here by a rave review from his dentist. We were initially thrilled to go, because the area was so nice and the outside was adorable. We could not have been more wrong. Upon our arrival, we got seated the farthest table in the very back. There was minimal lighting and nobody around us. Every other guest was up in the front by the windows on nice tables. One waiter & one busboy was running the whole restaurant. They were friendly, but very incompetent. We had a artichoke dip for an appetizer, it was okay. And then came our main meals. I had the salmon which was extremely undercooked, to the point where I was concerned I'd be ill after. My boyfriend had the gnocchis and they tasted like nothing. There was no flavor of any sort to them what so ever. We asked for the check and nearly fainted at the 60 dollar total when we only had 2 meals and an appetizer...we had water for our drinks!! We waited for 20 MINUTES for the waiter to pick Up the check and left as fast as we could. Extremely overpriced bad food, slow service and a terrible ambiance. I'm very disappointed.
(1)Natalie R.
Came here with a group for lunch. Our server (woman with a pixie cut) was so flighty-it took an hour to get our entrees and no one was left in the restaurant. They came and took the flowers off our table WHILE we were eating because "we have to start prepping for dinner." Seriously?? The food was average at best, and we left annoyed and disappointed. First and last time at this place. There are much better places in Wheaton.
(2)Diane H.
The food is fantastic. I mean truly amazing. I went with a group of friends during the day on a weekend for lunch. The place was nearly empty and we had to wait a bit for everyone to arrive. We ordered the polenta crostini for our appetizer and it was divine. Melt in your mouth delish. I had the crabcakes for my entree and same thing, very good. The service, however was pretty lax especially given there were only two other tables filled. I would def go back for the food and hope for better service to bump this baby up to five stars.
(4)Keri H.
Great wine bar! The service is amazing and the wine is out of this world. Try the baked brie, it's delicious
(5)B K.
Food was delicious. Wine selection was fantastic. Waitstaff was attentive and attractive. Had the Brie cheese plate appetizer, was very good. Then had the salmon, cooked to perfection with asparagus and polenta. I finished everything on my plate. For desert, I choose the chocolate cake. Yum! So good, we will be back. It's tad dark in there, but once we ordered it didn't matter.
(5)Nicole W.
Located on the corner of Hale Street in Downtown Wheaton, this place needs to be heard. I had their "Wrap," which consisted of blackened chicken, lettuce and a creamy sauce perfectly portioned and wrapped up in a tortilla accompanied with potato salad. The richness and creaminess of the potato salad, and the consistency of the same size pieces of the red skinned potatoes, were delectably appreciated. The simplicity in flavors and preparation leaves me recommending this place to anyone who is a food lover.
(4)Dorian D.
Because Yelp won't let you vote zero stars. Our group of 7 arrived at 11:30 AM for Sunday Brunch and were seated immediately, because there was only one other table occupied. We ordered our drinks and they came out quickly, except the server failed to open the bottle of wine. We let that go and ordered starters and appetizers quickly because of the time schedule we were on. The starters came out and were good. Since my wife, daughter and I had eaten at Cellar Bistro a few times since moving to Wheaton a few weeks ago, we were excited to showcase this spot to our friends sending their kid to Wheaton College. After our starters the wheels fell off fast. Our 5 year old daughter's pasta never came out with the appetizers. We let that go, but our entrees didn't follow either. So we waited until 12:30 to ask about our food. Other tables were coming in and being served, but not us. They said it will be out shortly. At 12:50 we asked again and they said it will be right out. No other explanation, just that it will be right out. Nope. At 1:05 the food finally came out. The burger was well done and clearly had been under the warmer for some time. The quiche my wife ordered was runny and flavorless. My banana stuffed fresh toast was dry - also clearly under the warmer too long. We needed to ask for the check immediately and they took 50% off the bill. Woo Hoo, 50% off bad food and having to wait an hour and a half. NO THANK YOU. While we didn't short the server on her tip (tipped 20+% on what the check should have been), we wondered why she wasn't supporting us, her clients, since we supported her. This is sadly disappointing. We love Wheaton and encourage others to find this great town as their hometown too, but unfortunately, unless this situation is corrected to our satisfaction we will spend our money elsewhere and wait for a new spot to takeover this failing location...which won't be too long at this rate.
(1)Kelly V.
Will never return here again! I went here to catch up with two close girlfriends who I haven't seen in a while. We decided to try a new place and chose Cellar Bistro due mainly to our love of wine. While the wine was good, as well as our dinner, the service was extremely disappointing. Our server was very nice and gave great recommendations when asked for her advice on wine and entrees. However, once our meal was complete and we were given the bill, we had someone come up to our table multiple times within minutes of setting down the bill to see if we had taken care of it. Once we paid, a couple minutes later a gentleman, who I can only assume was the manager, asked if we were finished and would move so some people at the bar could have our table. We were enjoying our conversation and thought he was joking. What restaurant asks if you are finished so they can seat other people? At first we just kind of laughed it off but when the manger returned yet again and said "I have three nice seats at the bar for you" we were so annoyed that we got up and left. It's unfortunate as the food and wine were good, but I have NEVER had a manager or anyone else at a restaurant ask if we could leave our table so others could use it. We are paying customers and should be able to sit there as long as we please. That is bad customer service and you can guarantee we will NEVER return here again!
(1)Mark P.
Why is this place always seem empty when we walk by? We have had better, but the atmosphere was good. The service by John was really good. I'd recommend him, just wish at a better restaurant. Good appetizers, but my chicken saltambucca tasted bland and boring. Maybe it was an off night, but we probably won't be back.
(2)Mary B.
Definitely plan to go back. Enjoyed the smaller, intimate atmosphere, and of course the food. Generous glasses of wine and warm, friendly service. I think it can be a bit pricier than reflected on Yelp, so that's my only reason for 4 vs 5 stars. The manager came over to make sure everything was alright. Not just a fly by visit, but seemed sincerely interested. That's always a nice touch. Got there around 5:45 on a Friday night, had made reservation. Was fairly quiet at that time, but was full up by the time we left. Mushroom Brie soup recommended by my friend was excellent. I had a Dover Sole special which was very good, but on the pricier side. Parking garage close by, but you may find street parking depending on the time.
(4)Dawn W.
We are spoiled by eating in the city, so our comparison is biased. The food is good, but slightly high priced for what you get. Lacking in flavor. They did hold our reservation when we ran late, which was very nice of them!
(3)Kristen H.
I'm only giving it four stars, because I did not eat any of the food, and only drank the wine so I didn't want to jump the gun. Fancy interior, but my friend and I chose to sit outside and split a bottle of wine. The waitress was knowledgeable about the wine options, unlike some other waitresses who do not know any wine on the list. We decided to go with the pinot noir from Chile and we were impressed! The bottle was reasonably priced, only 38 dollars (a steal). My friend ordered the mushroom brie soup and a chicken entrée and stated that the food was amazing. I did browse the menu (I had already eaten dinner) and the food options sounded amazing! I will be returning most definitely to try their food. They are on the more pricey side, so I would recommend for a date night or special occasion.
(4)A. B.
Pretty good. Fast quick service. We went for a Sunday brunch. My meal was delicious! Eggs Benedict of some kind, forgot the name. An the charcuterie plate for an app. 4 meals, 4-5 drinks total, and an app= 100.00
(3)Clifford S.
What is even better than a visit to a historical museum? A great place to have lunch beforehand! This is a solid restaurant with great atmosphere and food. The service was perfect and ther server pointed out some dishes to try. I began with the tomato basil soup; I love soup because of soups like this. Then I had two small burgers with garlic and other seasonings. It was the best of both worlds - got to go to the kind of foodie place my wife likes and I still got burgers and they were outstanding. Finished up with dessert and went to visit Cantigny. Historical outing preceded by burgers and accompanied by my wife. Life is damn good.
(5)Joan R.
Went for lunch. My mushroom soup and salad were very good. My friend's quiche was not warm. The waiter was not interested in us at all. Forgot we wanted separate checks - forgot who ordered what - after we left he ran to my car and said I took the signed copy of the payment - I hadn't. He acted like a first-day waiter. I would go again for the food though.
(3)Kathleen M.
I really loved this place but full disclosure, it's not in a cellar! It is a cheerful cute spot where my husband and I had a tummy filling yum experience. I had bookmarked a couple of restaurants in Wheaton and after we parked the car we set off to explore them. This was the first one we encountered and I just really liked the look of it. Most people were eating outside the day we went there so we had glorious privacy indoors. I ordered a raspberry Italian soda and the mushroom/brie soup and both were fantastic! I thought, wow, this is enough goodness to merit the trip here. Then we both had hamburgers, my husband had two of the garlic burgers and I had one of the wimpy ones and it was just perfect. Great meat, delicious bun and crispy lettuce, tomato and onion on top with a homemade mayo/mustard spread. I adored it. I had wanted to explore more and maybe get dessert at another spot but I was on a roll. Could this be the Holy Grail of lunch where I like every single course? Monty Python has nothing on me so I plunged on ordering a Cappuccino and splitting a cake with my husband. Not just any cake, no sireee. This was Kathleen's Chocolate Cake, I am not lying, it was named after me! And moist, chocolately perfection that was masterful with my cappuccino. I liked every single thing I ordered, that is very rare. I can't wait to go back. I just wonder what food they will name after me next!
(5)Heather H.
Wine tasting dinners are good, parings are perfect. The mushroom Brie soup is to die for. Service is alright. Make sure you aren't in a hurry.
(4)Elizabeth T.
We took some friends from out of town to dinner here and in all four cases, our meals were disappointing. The pork tenderloin and the fish were very overcooked, the lamb dish was "strange tasting," the bistro wedge salad was just sad and the sausage bean soup of the day was flavorless We should have stopped with the appetizer, the bruschetta, which was DROWNED in vinegar. It was all you could taste. We were virtually the only people in the restaurant so it is hard to understand how such little attention was paid to our meals. We love to eat local but this was just a bad choice.
(1)Emily H.
Overpriced. Okay food. Moved to Wheaton from Chicago, so I'm spoiled...but I'll pay good money for good food any day. Paying good money for mediocre food does not sit with me well though. I get what they are trying to do, but if the quality isn't there, the prices shouldn't be so steep. It really upsets me that my husband and I shared an appetizer, salad, and main course (with wine of course) and we spent what we used to spend at a 5 star Chicago restaurant. I just wish the prices matched what we ate. We sadly probably won't go back. :(
(2)Krissy S.
My hubby and I come here because of their chill and warm ambience (yep, both!) food is great. I love their penne with sun dried tomato cream. This place is nice for a date night. 4 stars only because I know this place can still be improved.
(4)Robin A.
Great cozy atmosphere and fresh ingredients! Try the butternut and pear soup. Yum! My husband and I had a nice kid free lunch and the service was impeccable!
(4)N K.
Overall, disappointed with my first trip to Cellar Bistro. I'm new to Wheaton and read so many wonderful things about this place we could not wait to try what sounded like a "gem" of Wheaton. Our waiter took 20 minutes to come to our table. He stopped by after 10 minutes to say he would be there, but it took him another 10 minutes to then finally come bring us drinks - let alone water. He was clearly overwhelmed, having been given too many tables, so I think it's the fault of the restaurant owner/manager. One enjoyable item was the bacon wrapped dates. However, I've had them just as well prepared elsewhere, if not better, and $14 for six of them was too much to pay. The pear salad was awful - far too much cinnamon, missing acidity in the dressing, and had the oddest seasoning combo. Just a big miss. My friend enjoyed the scallops, and were likely the best of all we ordered. My salmon was poorly prepared: overcooked, tough to cut, little to no seasoning or taste, and the mustard on top was basically squeezed on like you would do to a hot dog. The polenta was more like a polenta cake - chewy, tough to cut, and missing any real flavor. Also, the entire dish was not served hot - so disappointing. Was expecting so much more!
(2)Amy P.
Great, cozy place. Amazing Brie, overall a great place to eat. Definitely planning to return.
(4)Liz K.
Thanks to yelp I was able to find this cute place when we were around Wheaton. I have never been to downtown Wheaton! The place is very cute...fits the name perfectly. :-) Our waitress was friendly and helpful since it was our first time there. We started with Mushroom Brie soup (sooo good I practically licked the bowl) and cauliflower curry soup (I hate cauliflower...but it actually was good). Then we ordered the sliders and pizza...wow was I surprised by the size of my pizza (hoooray for leftovers!) We really liked the food and I loooooved the unique potato salad that came with the sliders! We didn't order wine since it was lunchtime, but they had an extensive list. This looks like a great place to go to on the weekends. I am so glad I found this place through yelp!!
(4)Mariam K.
Cute little spot. Came here for a birthday dinner so we had ordered quite a few dishes. Nothing we ordered stood out to me too much. The only items I remember liking a lot were the pear salad and the crab cake - both were really good... I think almost our entire party had ordered the pear salad. My most favorite thing here was the brownie with mint chocolate chip ice cream! I live about an hour away... but I think I wouldn't mind travelling all the way back here just for the dessert, it was that good.. I can't stop thinking about it!
(3)Kathy L.
Attentive service, delish food, and a chic atmosphere! I've been twice now, once for dinner and today for lunch. Had the mushroom Brie soup both times- SOOOoooo good!
(5)Joy S.
Had lunch at the Cellar Bistro today, a Saturday, with a party of 8. Street parking was readily available and I believe a free parking lot/garage is around the block. I ordered the Bistro Burgers while another ordered the salad topped with Salmon, and we shared. I ordered the burgers MR with white cheddar cheese, they arrived well but still delicious, moist and not offensive with garlic. They came with tender, nicely seasoned oven roasted potatoes. The salmon was nicely seasoned and perfectly cooked and the salad was a mix of leaves of many colors, red onions, shaved carrots and capers in a lovely vinegar/oil dressing. Among the 8 diners, an assortment of dishes were ordered, and everyone was pleased. The salmon salad and the burgers were $12 or $14, coffee was $4 and very good, and a cup of the wonderful mushroom, brie soup was $4, bowl is $6. If you like mushrooms, you'll love this soup. Service was pleasant, prompt and unobtrusive (no "Hi, I'm Bambi and I'm here to interrupt your conversations &/or disturb you every 5 minutes to ask if everything is all right). Samantha and staff were quietly observant and provided what was needed at the proper time. I can only surmise that the complaints here are from envious competitors. The flowers on the table were real. Sidewalk seating is available in nice weather. The chocolate cake dessert was not chocolate in color only, it had a rich chocolate flavor. Our separate checks were handled efficiently and there was no service charge added. These 8 traveled from LaGrange, Downers Grove, Bartlet, and Schaumburg. All would be happy to return to The Cellar Bistro.
(5)Sarah L.
It's ok. I prefer other restaurants in Wheaton, especially for the price. It's too bad because the atmosphere is nice and their outdoor seating is pretty cozy looking. I have *heard* they have good desert.. so maybe I'll come back to JUST try that at the bar. On a side note, one thing that drives me nuts is watching servers have to go up and down stairs to deliver food every single time..oh my god! We tried the pizza and let me just say there is better pizza in Wheaton. I could be convinced to go again but not a go-to for me.
(3)Damian O.
One of those places that gets all local produce and ingredients. The burger I got was the juiciest I have ever encountered, and my only side options were chips or a potato salad (which was craycray good). Very fresh and delicious. A smidge pricey but I would definitely go again.
(4)Andy K.
This is a great place for a date night. Love the ambiance and the outdoor seating in the summer. The wine list is excellent and their staff has a knack for recommending the perfect pairings for the meal. Now to the food. I've never had anything disappoint me. Plus, it's not your typical american fare. They have a lot of nice options that have something for just about anyone. Plus, they support a ton of local causes. I got a $10 gift-certificate here from Wheaton North HS. If you're thinking about dining here, I highly recommend checking out the store at goboostershot.com . You can get the same gift-certificate while supporting a local organization. It's definitely a win-win situation.
(5)Eric N.
Enjoyed one of the outdoor tables over the weekend. Nice location with a bistro atmosphere. I would recommend the mushroom brie soup and salmon salad.
(4)Kelly B.
My friends and I ate here on a beautiful night so we sat outside. Even though our table was on the sidewalk, it was pleasant. Our waitress was very sweet and attentive. I was disappointed when I discovered that this wine bar was out of the wine I wanted. Bummer. We shared the bruchetta appetizer. It wasn't very good. It had a really strong vinegar flavor and hardly any cheese. I had the beet salad, which was fresh and delicious. I then ordered the tuna wrap. It was good, and the price was right. I think it was $10, which was one of the cheapest thing on the menu. The tuna was cooked perfectly and the wrap was tasty. However, I was not a fan of the potato salad side that came with the wrap. My friend ordered the scallops and she let me have a bit. I love scallops, and The Cellar Bistro cooked them perfectly. If I ever went back here I would order the scallops.
(3)Erika C.
In our recent tour of downtown Wheaton night life this was our second stop. It was hopping at 9 pm on a Saturday evening which is a good thing. We scored 2 seats at the bar pretty quickly and sat for a couple cocktails and dessert. The bar was friendly and they had many good choices of wine by the glass at good prices. The bartender was welcoming but not particularly knowledgeable about the wine. Oh well, I can pick my own. I have a thing for creme brulee so we ordered that and their dessert special marscrapone cake. Okay, my creme brulee thing goes way back, to like childhood. Seriously. Good creme is hard to find but I keep trying and trying. I found some delish creme Saturday night in downtown Wheaton...mmm hmmm. The marscrapone cake was nothing to mention . The scene and decor were a little dated ,"Tuscan wine Cellar" it was" romantically" lit (read good place for a cougar outing). We will be back for dinner or maybe a ladies lunch...meow.
(4)Jennifer F.
I wish I could say it was because of the food- however I never got to tryi it. The place wasn't even full ( no wait and many tables), however they refused to seat me anywhere except the high top tables. Clearly, with a disability and a dog that does brace work this would not be appropriate. ( I want to be CLEAR they never hasseld me about the dog that was not a problem) I also was by myself with my school books- that's what I think really did me in. If I had been with a significant other- which I do not have, I think I could have sat in one of the many other open spaces. I chose to pass on the less than optimum seating in favor of another place in downtown Wheaton with a not so snooty staff. I do hear the food is very good here, however I will take my business elsewhere.
(1)Laura D.
I really liked this place, and I was glad that my husband and I finally got to explore it! We used a coupon deal and then explored other items, too. My husband and I shared the fried polenta with roast corn and manchego cheese. Then my husband ordered the Bistro burger, which the waiter was awesome about explaining that it is actually two smaller burgers, and I ordered a cup of the black bean soup and the beet salad. Both were delicious and not too heavy. The service was excellent, the atmosphere was cozy and romantic, and I am definitely going to come back!
(4)Jan F.
Service is awful, empty tables yet they push you to spend in the bar, and want you to eat there. Have had good experience in past. But maybe management has changed. Find a friendlier venue, this one has really gone down hill
(1)Mark K.
Just dined here for first and last time. Server had a nice personality and was somewhat knowledgable about menu and wine list. But, too many fatal flaws. First, our dinners were served without forks. When we informed our server she went inside (we were dining in the outside area) to get them. About 4-5 mins pass and still no silverware, while our food sits there getting cold. I go inside to inquire and there's our server waiting at the bar for my wife's wine order. After signaling to her that we still needed forks she eventually brought out the forks and the wine. I guess she didn't want to make two trips. Second, the food. Small portions for one. Chicken saltimbocca was tiny, and oddly paired with mashed potatoes and peas. My fault for thinking this might work because it didn't. Third, my wife's first cut into a large shrimp resulted in the shrimp disintegrating. That's right, a soft, bad shrimp. The odor was indescribable in a bad way. Lastly, upon informing our waiter of the bad shrimp she said sorry and would Inform the manager. The check arrives, we get ready to pay a full bill of 100 bucks or so, and I ask her out of curiosity what the manager had to say about the bad shrimp. Her reply was she forgot to tell him. Really. Now, she did adjust the bill by 9.00. Fair enough, a simple apology and please come back would have sufficed. One and done.
(1)Patricia L.
The food was delicious - I had the Beet Salad and Wrapped Dates (YUM) for dinner -- my husband had the Chicken Saltimbocca (which he deemed 'perfect , light comfort food'). We were seated within minutes at an outside table, Stephanie was our server, and she couldn't have been the more perfect blend of attentive and elusive. I really love this place as a date night spot with my husband, (and the lunches are SO perfect, decadent yet healthy) -- varied menu, healthy choices, seating options (inside, outside, bar) and good service. Thanks Cellar Bistro.
(5)Andrea F.
Oh boy! I had high hopes for this place based on previous reviews. I booked a reservation for a Tuesday night, no problem. We arrive and were seated promptly. The place had about three other tables when we arrived for our 630 reservation and by 7:00 almost every table was filled. Now I don't know if they didn't schedule enough staff for that evening or if they are just short handed? The same server was waiting on the majority of the tables which in return weeded her completely. Our soup came our before our appetizer and there was a 40 minute gap between the appetizer and entrees! Entrees finally came and it was nothing special, in fact they are over priced for what they serve. Disappointed in every way needless to say. Also,We were celebrating a birthday which was never acknowledge. They were under staffed for the night which effected every aspect of what you would expect out of a quality dining experience. Note to the owners, it's best to staff as if your going to busy and if your not....send people home!
(2)Howard L.
We came back for dinner and had their prosciutto-pineapple-jalepeno pizza, and their pork medallions with mashed sweet potatoes (again). Great dinner, great service, friendly folks, and good value here. In spite of their extensive (but also more expensive than our last visit!) wine selection, I also tried their raspberry ale and red wheat ale ($5 each), and both were delights, especially with the pizza.
(5)Karl C.
I never know what food to order whenever I'm at Cellar Bistro. This isn't because there are so many home run menu items, it's because their menu always seems so limiting. The Bistro clearly built its establishment around serving wine: their wine list is pretty sizable, the decor is nice but subdued at the same time, the lighting is easy on alcohol-induced glazed eyes, and they even have paintings on the wall of wine or people sipping on wine. Wine is great but if your party's not in the mood to throw back a few bottles, your choices are numbered. As far as beer is concerned, they have Miller Lite and one Two Brothers brew on tap, and they may have Beck's in bottles. And that's it. Their food items are all geared toward a higher-end audience: they're all pricey and fancy. My girlfriend enjoys it here so, at times, I've come here in a red-blooded American type of mood and I haven't been satisfied. Cellar Bistro's a nice place but it's kind of like listening to Michael Buble. You really need to be in the mood for it and it's almost necessary that you have a glass of Pinot Noir in hand -- because I'm not drinkin' any f-ing Merlot!
(3)Mary J.
We had a nice meal here and even though the place was pretty crowded, it was still kind of quiet and mellow. We had the shrimp appetizer and then I had the tuna wrap with a pear salad. Both were very good. Hubby had a special which was pasta with some tuna on it. There was a big table next to us with some kids and they were pretty well behaved. Two were older and one was a baby. This is NOT a place for a toddler who can't stay in his/her seat. There is nowhere for them to roam! I've had some dietary issues lately and I was pleasantly surprised to see that they have a gluten-free menu here. There are quite a few items on it, not as many as the regular menu, but still lots to choose from. We used a restaurant.com gift certificate to pay for our meal and hit a speed bump. Apparently the restaurant is concerned that gift certificate holders are not going to tip their servers enough. When we got the bill, the total of our meal showed the gift certificate deduction, but then there was another line that said something like SERVICE FEE and then there was a blank line for a tip. Neither one of us could figure out what it meant. A service fee for using a gift certificate? It was so confusing! Turns out, that the SERVICE FEE is the suggested tipping amount on your original charge before the gift certificate. I didn't like that whole setup. It made me feel like I was dealing with a used car salesman and kind of ruined my nice mellow meal.
(4)B J.
Walked in to have a drink at 6:30 on a Saturday night. The bar was full and there were maybe 6 empty tables in the place. We told the hostess we just wanted a drink and an appetizer, but she looked flustered and wandered around looking at other people's tables to see if there was somewhere we could sit. She ended up telling us we could wait 10 to 15 minutes for someone to finish dessert. It was so awkward, we left. Never saw someone so confused by having people want to sit for 20 minutes and have a drink.
(1)Joe E.
Cellar Bistro is a nice, quaint little place. I went for lunch a few weeks back and it was ehh. Our table ordered a quiche special they had, the pepperoni and italian sausage pizza, and the chicken skewers salad. We also ordered a spinach and artichoke and chips appetizer. The atmosphere is very nice at this restaurant. Dimly lit and relatively quiet on Monday afternoon. The food was ehh. The pizza was the standout of the group, the charging 12 dollars for 2 chicken skewers and pieces of Bibb lettuce? Yikes. The quiche wasn't amazing but not terrible either. This restaurant is probably a 3 overall. It's a bit pricey, but the decor of the restaurant is relaxing. This is a good dinner date place, and it's probably going to dent your wallet a bit more for dinner time. I'm a Wheaton resident and this was the first time I'd been here. I wouldn't rush back, but I wouldn't avoid it again all together either. Go for Dinner
(3)Eli H.
I'm sort of surprised by the number of reviews here ranging from mediocre to negative. We went for lunch earlier this week and I couldn't be happier. I had a really great tomato basil soup and a tuna wrap. Both were fantastic. Prices seemed a little on the high side, but I suppose that's a product of eating lunch in the heart of downtown Wheaton.
(4)Crys A.
The brie appetizer is to die for. Smallish bar, smallish restaurant, but the service is good, especially the bartenders. Is Jeff Failing still there? He's a great bartender and overall great guy. Wonderful martinis. Cool ambiance, great staff, inviting decor and clientele. The food is great and it's in a nice little spot in downtown Wheaton, easy to get to, easy to enjoy. I very much recommend.
(4)S S.
Food is delicious , nice place to share a bottle of wine and chill out . I wish they had better wine list.
(3)Mo D.
I came here for the first time with my dad a few days ago, and I have to say I loved it. The staff was polite, the atmosphere was nice (like...umm... a cellar bistro kind of) and the temperature was nice even though it was freezing outside and the place is pretty small. My dad ordered the crab cakes as an appetizer, and I ordered the baked brie. My dad seemed to like his crab cakes, and my baked brie was delicious. It came with tiny slices of raisin bread, currant jam (I think), pecans, and pear slices. It was so delicious that I ate the whole brie and almost all the bread, and then I was stuffed and could barely work on my entree. We both ordered the sea bass that was on special. It came with leek and potato puree, artichokes, and green onion and prosciutto and something else green on top. The fish was cooked perfectly, not too dry. I brought the rest of it home, and I ate it the next day at work for lunch. I even skipped going out to lunch with my coworkers because I knew the delicious sea bass was awaiting me in my lunch bag. Very highly recommend!
(5)Kim M.
We tried this restaurant for the first time last night for my 40th birthday. Even though the dining room is small, they accommodated our table of 7 beautifully. We felt welcome and comfortable, and the service and food were excellent. The staff was very understanding and did not rush us, even though one member of our group was quite late. The scallops were delicious, and my husband enjoyed his burger. Overall fantastic food and service. The atmosphere was welcoming and cozy. I was given a complimentary glass of champagne for my birthday. We'll definitely come back again!
(5)Mike M.
Have eaten there several times for lunch and dinner, and have always had good service and great food. Outdoor seating is nice in the summer. Highly recommend the chips, cheese, apples, and spreads appetizer. Reasonably priced.
(4)Tyler L.
I went there for the first time today for lunch and I was very pleased. I had the soup of the day which was the Chicken Tortilla and for my meal I had the Penne Pasta with Chicken which was delicious. The ambiance was warm and comforting, the staff was pleasant. I recommend The Cellar Bistro!
(5)Emily S.
Had lunch with a client at the Cellar Bistro, and I was pleasantly surprised. The decor is a little cheesy, a little too "SEE! WE HAVE WINE BARS IN THE 'BURBS!" but maybe that's just me being an urban snob. The food was very good. I had mushroom brie soup, which was delicious and very generously sized. I also had the caprese salad, which was very fresh. I did not care for the balsamic glaze, but I am a caprese purist - I like mine like they make it in Italy: tomatoes, fresh mozz, basil, olive oil, sea salt, pepper. No balsamic. A colleague had a delicious-looking crab and avocado salad. I didn't hear any complaints from any of my dining companions. All in all, it was quite good.
(4)Tim K.
We dropped in to the Cellar Bistro for a mid-week lunch. The decor is, well, bistro. The first thing we noticed was the high prices for the wine by the glass. They had one for $7, two or three for $8 and the rest were $9+. The menu is small. They were out of the quiche of the day. Our server told us they only make 7 "pieces" a day. We opted for the chicken skewers and the grilled salmon salad. The chicken looked over cooked by my wife said it was OK. It came with a nice vinaigrette and bibb lettuce not cheap iceberg as you might expect. The salmon was a large portion and was cooked thru. Just the way I like it. Service was prompt and friendly. Bottom line: We'll be back.
(4)Elizabeth A.
My husband and I had a date night here (our first time) and were pleasantly surprised. I was a bit hesitant because the restaurant is so small but by the end of our visit that was actually something I found charming about the place. Our waitress was attentive and helpful at guiding me towards a wine I liked (I'm not exactly knowledgable about wines). My husband was a little disappointed with the beer selection but made do . The food was excellent! We had the bacon wrapped dates for an appetizer and they were amazing. Our dinners did not disappoint either. We will definitely be going back.
(5)Billy M.
I'm vegetarian, and one of my guests is on a gluten free diet. We came for an early dinner, with a last minute reservation. Located in charming area of Downtown wheaton. Relatviely empty upon arrival, full when we left. I had The Wrap with grouper fish - it was unexpectadly, but very good. It came with a garlic potato salad which was the hit of the meal. It contained red potatos, chives, mayo, parsley, and garlic. Unusually, tasting, but the best potato salad I've ever had. My three kids ordered pizzas - A Margarita which could have been good, but was too bland, A Pepperoni & Bacon which had a tasteless crust, and a Kid's vcheese which was very oilly. Cellar Bistro has a brick oven, so their pizzas COULD taste fantastic, but from what I tried, they were only average. That being said, you don't go to a French-style bistro for the pizza. My final guest has a severe gluten allergy. She ordered Pork medallions with fruit and nuts, and a sweet potato mash. She isn't open to new foods, but she loved this. Our bill was $80 for 2 soups, a salad, 3 drinks, and 5 entrees. I look forward to returning.
(5)Dianna R.
My mom, sister, and I ordered some dinner to go here last weekend for a nice quiet girl's night at home with my two week old niece ;) I really love Bistro food and found it difficult to make a decision what to order. My sister and I decided to split the pan seared vegetable pizza, and, for a starter, I ordered the citrus salad, and she got the pear salad. After ordering over the phone, the restaurant told us it would be ready in 25-30 minutes which was pretty spot on and there was no waiting when we arrived to pick up the food (despite it being a VERY busy Saturday dinner crowd). It may have partially been the fact that I was totally famished/exhausted, but I thought the food was amazing. My sister and I inhaled our salads and devoured all of the pizza (which if you have a relatively normal sized appetite is perfect for sharing). My mom loved the grilled chicken wrap and the bistro house salad, which sounded delicious, but I couldn't manage to steal a bite of either...oh well, maybe next time. So, as far as take out goes, I give The Cellar Bistro high marks. I must note though, this place really makes me want to come back, split a bottle of wine with friends, and feast on that cheese medley appetizer....doesn't seem at all like a bad way to spend an evening or two :)
(4)Brad V.
Went there with the wife for a date night! The restaurant is small, or "cozy", depending on how you look at it. The staff is friendly and we didn't have to wait at all for a table. They placed us at a 2 seat table in the back corner, which I prefer because I hate sitting out in the middle of the dining room. We ordered the brushetta (spelling???) for an appetizer, which was really, really good. For my main entree' I had the grilled salmon. It was juicy (but not soggy) with a lot of flavor and great seasoning. For a side dish, I opted for the garlic mashed potatoes. They were really good, but nothing to get excited about. And for dessert, my wife and I shared a brownie topped with mint ice cream and whipping cream on the side. I'm a sucker for brownies a la mode! Can't get enough. Brownies and ice cream go together better than peanut butter and jelly. Overall this restaurant is great and I'd definitely go back and definitely recommend it. The price is about right for what you get. My only complaint is that the service is slow. We were on a time crunch so we could see a movie afterward and we ended up a little late. But I wouldn't let the slow service stop anyone from enjoying The Cellar Bistro!
(4)J S.
We used to love The Cellar Bistro for a number of years however over the last 3 or so visits our love affair is over. What happened to them I do not know, the food quality has just gone down hill. I used to put up with the tiny tables & the wait when the food was good but no longer, I'm sorry but it's over.
(2)Courtney W.
my husband and I stopped inn here looking for a new place to try. the place is small but we did not have to wait for a table on a Friday night. I ate the pork with spinach,walnuts and apricots,And my husband had the pepper crusted steak....we were both very happy with our food.We didn't have desert because we were too stuffed. the service was great too!!
(5)Shannon P.
The weather and the wine were lovely. The service was astonishly distracted and the food was confusing. Server accidentally dropped a wine glass on the patio table, it shatters onto my husband, his person, my legs and the ground. We were moved to a new table and it was cleaned up..after another couple took the table. Apology was rapid but distracted. No utensils on the table for half the meal. We asked twice. We ended up sharing forks and one napkin for half the meal. The appetizer was mushrooms stuffed with blue cheese. Little hints of blue cheese and mostly Alfredo sauce inside of mushrooms that came with tortilla chips as garnish. Tortilla chips? With mushrooms? Pizza with chevre, olives and bacon but smothered in gobs of shredded mozzarella? Dessert would have been nice. We didn't have time. We asked for the check to be forgotten, again. My husband went inside to get it. The woman we asked for the check didn't relay to our server who seemed baffled. So many things could be done to help this bistro. Wheaton needs one. With all the BMW's cruising by, the potential is there. In my opinion, it falls flat. Tonight, it was confused food without a chef looking it over or coukd care less a out taste and experience. (Tortilla chips as garnish at a bistro; those corn chips were going out with at least three appetizers I saw.) At each and every point during the meal your service lacked grace or could make an elegant decision that would cost you a 30$ bottle of wine. You shatter a glass on us, you buy the person a drink. It's the polite thing to do.
(1)Melinda A.
I really liked having this as an option so close to us. We will go back - however - husband's and friend's bison over cooked - waiter offered dessert on the house. Wine per glass does seem pricey. Pork with sweet potatoes - great! Mushroom brie soup - great! ambience - a bit cheesy and loud.
(3)Lisa D.
Went to the Cellar Bistro for the first time this past Saturday night on a date. I was impressed by the interior and it had a good ambiance. Wait staff was polite but not very helpful in suggesting a wine. I was a bit surprised to see that the menu was very small and limited. Not many options if you are a picky eater. I was pleased that the portions were actually appropriate for one person. Being a Dietitian it's nice to see correct portion sizes! My date finished his whole plate and I finished all but a few bites. Overall, I think this was an OK meal. I was a bit surprised though that the menu didn't reflect items that are in season as they advertise they use local produce. I would recommend going if you like a small, warm environment and if you are not too particular about options. If you like to visit and drink after dinner they close early so you will need to find another after meal stop.
(3)Tara E.
This is a lovely romantic wine bar. My fiancé and I had a lovely time sipping on wine and trying their food. I especially had a good time there because they have a gluten-free menu. Make a reservation for dinner so you don't have to wait for a table. The place is small, so they can't accommodate too many couples. You'll have a great time here.
(4)Small Town B.
This was now the third time we have stopped in at this little, over-rated hole in the wall owned by Nick and wife/chef Kathy and were turned away at the door. It was 9:00 and we were told the restaurant was closed the last call was fifteen minutes prior (third time we heard that story), however there were couples drinking at the bar and diners in the dining room. Granted, all were winding down but all we wanted was a glass of wine and an opportunitiy to find out if our reccommendations for the owner's recent trip to Paris worked out. The service there is mediocre at best, the menu is a joke and the one thing they have going for themselves, the wine list cannot be sampled after 8:45 p.m.
(1)Stephanie R.
We went to Cellar Bistro on a whim on a warm night. The dining room is very small and inviting. However, we were seated at a table that felt like it was in the middle of an aisle, and we had wait staff and other customers trying to squeeze between our table to get to other tables or the kitchen. The food was spotty; I ordered the lamb with cherry compote and was blown away by its taste and presentation. My husband agreed that it was very delicious. However, my husband's bison ribeye was lacking any flavor and it was overcooked. We're unsure whether we would return because of the range of quality in their entrees; if every dish was like the lamb, we would be back in a heartbeat!
(3)Rachel T.
I went by myself, which was not very much fun, but the place was great. I understand some of the low rated- reviews here, but my experience was superb! I orded the lasagna and it was probably the best lasagna I've ever had! My boyfriend and I are going back next week so he can try it! The atmosphere is very cozy and the people are very nice, despite what other reviews here have said. If I were you, I'd give it a try!
(4)Andrew K.
We've been here twice (on Tuesday nights) in the past several weeks. The first time we must have walked in just about the same time as everyone else. Even though they were busy the food was well prepared and our server (Meghan) was attentive. The next time we came in it was slow. Meghan remembered us, the drinks we ordered, as well as our food order. The service and food were great! We had the mini burgers and Margharita pizza. The price is not too bad either. If you are looking for a quiet place for a nice meal on a Tuesday night, this is a place. Definitely for adults though. I think kids wouldn't like it.
(5)Jen F.
First, here's the context of our visit... So, we went on Valentine's Day, which may not be the best time to visit somewhere for the first time, but we couldn't make up our mind on where to go so we just popped in here after driving around downtown Wheaton for a while. We didn't have a reservation, and despite the room being mostly empty were told we would have to wait for them to figure out where to put us. Ok, understandable. We got a seat by the window, which was nice. Pillows on the banquette were a nice touch. However, it was freezing cold and I had to wear my jacket throughout dinner. Mood lighting was nice, and they had a guitar player noodling around to add to the romantic atmosphere. Wine list is not vast. A couple of choices in each category, many that you can find at Jewel or Dominick's. No flights available. A little disappointing for a wine bar. We ordered cosmos to start, which were not very tasty and $11 each. No garnish or anything special about them at all. The set Valentine's Day meal was a 5 course for $50 or so, with choice of fish or beef. We didn't know this going in but decided to roll with it since it was getting later in the evening. We sat for a long while before someone came to take a drink order. We asked about the menu and were put off. Little menu cards would have been a nice touch. We told our waitress about my allergy and when the other waitress brought out the appetizer it was not edible due to my allergy. Zero communication between waitress #1, #2 and kitchen. They quickly made an adjustment for me, which was great. Appetizer was good, creamy leek soup was divine, the salad was gross (shredded lettuce? really? very Taco Bell), entrees were so-so and dessert was just fine. I didn't feel like we got our $50 worth... quantity of food was there but quality definitely was not. We left full but not satisfied. Overall, we'll probably go back to try this place on a non-holiday, non-special menu day, but honestly we may just go to sit at the bar and enjoy the ambiance, since the food was so not impressive.
(2)Cathy M.
Went on a Wednesday night with three friends. We asked for our salads to be brought, but to wait on the other portion until one more person arrived. They brought the salad and waited only five minutes to bring the rest. We had to ask three times for bread. The crab cakes were a huge disappointment...a thick bread crust on the outside....perhaps pre-made. The brie mushroom soup and the salads were great. Overall a nice place and the waiter was good for the most part.
(3)Jesse K.
We were lured in by the sidewalk sign's promise of half-price martinis. Our waitress, a charming and slightly nervous girl, was very helpful and immediately remedied the greasy, finger-smudged wine-glasses on our table when we sat down. We ordered our martinis - his was a cosmo - oddly un-garnished, but tasty. My classic gin martini was tasty, but a bit watered-down. We were thrilled to hear that they had a lobster bisque. Who doesn't love a smooth, thick, creamy lobster-y bisque? It showed up promptly, watery, with corn, chunks of stringy lobster, and did we mention WATERY? It did not even smell like a bisque. It was more a thin chowder. We explained this to our waitress, who said "well, they call it bisque, it's bisque" (with a nervous giggle.) We did not stay on for dinner as we had planned, fearing the shrimp scampi would not be shrimp, or some other atrocity.
(2)Lisa N.
Oh my gosh! My mom and I went here for my birthday dinner and I cannot say enough good things about it. I made a reservation, but the only tables were bistro tables, so mom and I decided to wait until a lower table was available and sat at the bar. We ordered a bottle of Woop Woop Shiraz and it was wonderful. Our bartender, Jerry, was very nice in his recommendations and service. When we were seated, we got our appetizer osf3 dips with crostinis and chips. Delicious! Especially the red pepper and white cheddar dip. I definitely recommend this! Yum! I had the red and yellow beet salad with goat cheese, and my mom had the deconstruted blue cheese salad. Again, delicious! Then on to our entrees. I had the chicken saltimbocca and mom had the surf and turf. A medium rare prime ribeye, perfectly cooked scallops, and beautifully cooked large prawns. We both had creamy but chunky garlic mashed potatoes, I had peas, she had mushrooms. I can't say enough how delicious both of our meals were. We got another bottle of wine when our first ran out. This time, Rivere, a Spanish blend. Another yummy bottle with just the perfect bite and smoothness. Even though we both had leftovers from dinner, we ordered the chocolate cake a la mode to share. I was pleasantly surprised as I don't normally like cake. It was amazing! In short, we both highly recommend The Cellar Bistro. It was the best experience we've had at a restaurant in many many years. Our server, Blaine, was exceptional in his service and recommendations and the assistant manager (I am embarrassed to say I do not remember her name), was also very nice and made sure we got our cake for free for my birthday. Jose is the chef - he deserves a lot of credit here - he is obviously an amazing cook as well as leader in this kitchen - and I would not change a thing about our meal.
(5)Roland W.
I just don't understand how other people can rate this place so highly. I guess that's why it's good we don't all like the same things. Then life would be boring. Let's start with what I love about this place. The atmosphere, it's wonderful cozy romantic spot for dinner and that was the draw for me and my "date". On a side note, my date is married - to someone else. We used to be co-workers but now she's my best friend. Unfortunately she and her husband don't get out often so we try to have dinner whenever I'm in town. Nothing more than that. But I digress. Now on to what I'm not a fan of. The bar, great bar, knowledgable bartender, but only two choices of Vodka? Supposedly they were waiting on an order to come in. HMMMM On to the appetizer. We started with their form of bruschetta. Way too much vinegar. Dinner was also not memorable. Next we shared a plate of pesto stuffed mushrooms. Quite frankly I thought they forgot the pesto. I couldn't taste it at all. We ended the evening with a cheese medley which wasn't bad, but not memorable. Utlimately it was a wonderful evening, because I got to spend it with one of my most favorite people in the world. Next time we'll go somewhere else on our "date" Now I'll probably regret writing this reveiw because when I reviewed the Mexican place down the street the manager bordered on harassing me over his staff. Sorry, I just didn't like The Cellar Bistro, some may, I don't. But, if you're just looking for a friendly place to have a drink I would recommend The Cellar Bistro. Just don't stay for the food.
(2)Jennifer B.
I went here with the hubs for my b-day and I absolutely loved it. The BBQ shrimp with blue cheese grits was the best meal I've had since my last birthday. I've been dreaming about those damn grits. The husband enjoyed his lasagna and the mushroom brie soup was spectacular. It's a nice place inside. The pictures on their web site make it look cheesy and like it's trying too hard. They need to get someone beside a 17 year old with a point and click camera to take some professional photos. The service was great too. We each got soup, a main dish, split a dessert and a bottle of wine for about $80.
(5)Tracey M.
A hidden gem - hands down! The Wine Selection: The wine selection was vast. This is definitely a place I'd go to just for for drinks. Regardless if you prefer reds or whites there is something for everyone. I was in the mood for Riesling, but I wasn't sure which one. The waitress was nice enough to bring over samples of the two I had narrowed it down too. The Food: Everything on the menu sounded so good, but my mind was made up immediately once I saw the Grilled Salmon. It was very tasty. I really liked the dill sauce that it was garnished with. The Atmosphere: Just passing by I would have never guessed it was so nice inside. The modern decor is very nice. Just the right size - not too small, but not too big. Even when it's busy it wasn't so loud you had to yell so those at your table could hear you. Overall, a very pleasant dining experience and one I hope to repeat soon.
(5)Mary K.
Had a wonderful glass of wine, mushroom brie soup was unique and yummy. My Mom picked the pear salad which did not disappoint, last but defintely not least we had the stuffed mushrooms. The wait staff was attentive and knowledgable. Will go back again for sure.
(4)Becky G.
DH and I went there this past weekend, on a Friday night. I think I saw the place mentioned once online, but we really decided to go when we drove right by it looking for a place to eat. Waited about 3 minutes for a table (I guess one advantage of this terrible economy) and was seated by our nice and friendly waitress. The only downside to this place was the lighting at our particular table. I did like the nice romantic lighting, but our table in particular had about nothing. The waitress did have a little hand flashlight that was helpful. Wine was great, food was delicious. DH had the salmon and asked for a substitution for the asparagus (he's not a big fan). The waitress said he'd receive roasted mixed veggies instead. Well there happened to be asparagus in that anyway, but no big deal. I had the penne pasta with pork tenderloin, which was awesome. Just the right amount of food...not too much like one of those gigantic bowls of pasta at some places. Overall, I'd definitely go back. Great place to just have a glass of wine at the bar.
(4)Elisabeth S.
I took my Mom here for her 53rd Birthday and I am very happy that we did! We sat outside and got to see all of the action going on it downtown Wheaton. The food was very good, a little pricey for it's portions but good. The wine was awesome and our server was great! Will definitely be making a trip back!!
(4)John O.
Great little place. Nice atmosphere, great food variety and quality with some excellent small dishes.
(4)Sarah G.
I've been here twice before. The first time I visited was about a year ago for lunch with a girlfriend. It was a lovely, light lunch. Although it was a little expensive, it was worth it. We had fabulous appetizers of hummus, salads, and for desert we ordered blueberry peach pie, which was incredible. The cost was slightly high, but it seemed to be worth it. This last visit, though, was a different experience. I went there on a date with my hubby, and the place was nice and full for a Wednesday evening (I like a place to be a little crowded--it shows that it's popular). The atmosphere was perfect for a date--dimly lit and warm & cozy despite the frigid air outside (17 degrees!). We ordered wine based on our server's suggestion, and we were happy with his knowledge and recommendations. For an appetizer, we ordered the crab cakes, which were nice and meaty (nothing worse than doughy, bland crabbycakes). We each ordered the specials of the day for our main course. My husband ordered a pepper crusted bison steak with potatoes au gratin and asparagus with kale. The bison was ok...but nothing extraordinary. The edges were tender, but the rest was tough, and the pepper masked the flavor of the bison instead of adding a hint of flavor to accentuate the meat. The potatoes au gratin were just...odd. Instead of being cheesy and creamy, they were slices of sticky potato slices bound together by a bland cheese and cut into a perfect cube. I ordered mahi-mahi with brown sauce set on a bed of mashed potatoes. When my food came, the fish was circled by stewed tomatoes, which were surrounded by green beans. It looked ugly, but I'm willing to overlook that if it tastes yummy. The fish was fine, but I could've easily made it myself and saved $30.00. It was crusted with a bland panko (it was supposed to be walnut). It sat atop garlic mashed potatoes, which weighed down the dish. The flavors didn't combine very well. On top of that, there were chunks of meat in the potatoes (I think it was some kind of pork or beef), which made the potatoes taste like a stroganoff flavor, and that REALLY clashed with the flavor of the fish. The ugly stewed tomato/ green beans that circled the plate were squishy and salty, but didn't compliment the dish. All in all, it tasted like a Chef Boyardee version of fish--I could've made something better at home and saved myself the $30. We ended up spending over $120 for food that was just...eh. I felt totally ripped off, especially after I'd had such good food the first time. It's not that the food was terrible, it was just that the quality of food didn't match the price we paid. Several weeks ago I ate at a restaurant with similar prices, but with food so amazing that I was disappointed when the meal ended. If you go to Cellar Bisrto, visit for lunch or stick with a safe (or less expensive) dish, and stay away from the specials. They're more like "sub-pars" than specials.
(2)Gregory L.
We were lucky enough to sneak into Cellar Bistro for dinner before a show. We arrived at 6:30, and the place was packed. This is definitely a place to have reservations at dinnertime. There just happened to be a 2 top table available, and we were seated. The server was great and their menu really does have a Bistro feel. Some smaller fare, a variety of cheese plates, and a fantastic wine list. The atmosphere at dinner time is a bit frantic, though I can see this place having a more intimate feel later in the evening. A great lucky find.
(4)Ron Z.
Perhaps I'm biased since I live in Wheaton, but the Cellar Bistro is a terrific little place for wine, appetizers or a light meal. Besides having great food, I think it's just a charming and cozy little place. When you realize it was a Hallmark store, the transformation is even more striking. On both visits, I found the staff to be very friendly and helpful. They really know their wine and the menu. The place prides itself on the sourcing of it's ingredients as you'll find if you visit. Because so many items looked appealing, we were tempted to over order. Our server steered us away from ordering all at once. She was so right. The appetizers were delicious and very generously portioned. The salad with very fresh ingredients was also well done. I shared everything with my wife, and we decided we didn't need entrees. We were so pleased, we brought friends back on our next visit. We enjoyed wine and appetizers in lieu of a full dinner. Again, we really liked everything as did our friends. We'll certainly be back with more friends and expect to try it for lunch or a full dinner next time. I strongly recommend the Cellar Bistro. I'm not sure I'd drive a great distance to get here, but it sure gives the locals something to be proud about and to share with their friends.
(4)B B.
Nice place for a few drinks and apps after work.
(5)MR W.
pretty darn good. We ate outside and enjoyed a nice afternoon with a good lunch and wine. worth the trip
(4)Anna W.
This is my favorite restaurant to visit when I'm home! Has been ever since it opened. The staff is as personable and charming as they come. The food is always, I cannot stress enough ALWAYS done to perfection. The ambiance is elegant and relaxing. You won't find a restaurant in all of DuPage county that is as elegant and tasty as this one. If you don't live in Wheaton, it's worth the trip.
(5)Jennifer G.
Cozy, friendly staff, and I love the menu...I would go here every week if I could. I love the mushroom brie soup, the crab cakes, and everything I've had has been excellent. It's just nice to be there, in the candlelight and jewel-toned decor, sipping a glass of wine. I also appreciate that they serve locally-grown and organic items. I wish more restaurants around here did that. Yes, sometimes by the window in winter it can be chilly - I agree with that reviewer about that, but often have sat away from the windows and doors. Highly recommend.
(5)Meghan L.
a nice place to get dinner and a glass of wine with your parents or something...nothing to go out of your way for, but definitely good for what it is. one complaint: the light is so low i seriously can't see anything in there. then again, i'm pretty blind.
(4)nan B.
I've been here several times and have yet to be disappointed. I like this place because they care about serving quality food;(mostly organic, family owned vendors, free trade products). My favorite are the bistro burgers. You can order two or four as they are a bit smaller than the standard burger. They are really flavorful. Desserts are good. The handmade truffles ( my new favorite) are worth the trip for me.
(5)Pat P.
I've had lunch here a few times and it's always good, perhaps because the salad I had the first time (pears, strawberries, walnuts, mmmm) was so good I get it every time! This time I had tomato soup first which was very good, not great, but my sister had their soup du jour, a Morrocan carrot soup that was outstanding! Always wonderful service.
(4)Linda Y.
I love this restaurant. A girlfriend and I go there for lunch quite often, and I always get the quiche of the day. It's delicious, and a good size for a lunch entree. It comes with a small green salad and a very small fruit salad. I went to dinner there with a friend the other day, and ordered the pizza. Delicious again! And I had half of a pizza for lunch the following day.
(5)Steve W.
Had to try this place out. It's pretty much the only restaurant my wife and I haven't tried yet in downtown Wheaton. We made reservations and got there about 15 minutes early. We ended up only waiting about 5 minutes before we were seated. I thought the atmosphere was really nice. Pretty much what you would expect for a "Bistro". However, the table they sat us at was in the back (which is not really a bad thing) but the table was low and in between two high tables so it made us feel a little.......I don't know......small I guess. But even that wasn't so bad. The problem was, the restaurant is kept very dark with nice mellow spot lights on all of the tables, with the exception of the table we sat at. I litterally had to hang out of my seat in order to get in enough light so I could read the menu and my wife had to take the candle and get it right up against her menu so she could see it. So o.k. It's not that big of a deal. The menu was pretty decent. Fairly small menu but it had some decent choices. We both got the Blue Cheese Wedge salad. It was mediocre at best. i think it would have been better with iceberg lettuce instead of the bibb lettuce and I'm not sure what the point of the "deconstructed" aspect of it was. I think I prefer my blue cheese wedge salad to be "constructed". My wife got the penne pasta with shrimp. She liked it for the most part but didn't like the VERY mayonnaisey sun dried tomato pesto aioli that it came with. I tasted it as well and you really couldn't taste any sun dried tomato. Mostly just mayonnaise. Yuk! I got the pepper crusted sirloin. I thought it was o.k. but it had an exremely smoky flavor to it, almost like it was smoked instead of char grilled and the pepper crust was a bit light. I like my pepper crusted steaks to be smothered. But that's my taste I guess. I also thought it was just a tad on the tough side as well. I was really expecting a nice tender steak. The garlic mashed potatoes were definitely lacking garlic. There was barley the tiniest hint of garlic. The artichoke and veggie hash and the blue cheese was good but the portion was so small it was almost non-existant. And there was also supposed to be a Valfrais horseradish that was an extremely small portion and any type of horseradish flavor was completely absent. So both of us had decided to skip on the appetizers so we would have room for desert. Excellent move on our part. The desert was fabulous. I got the mint chocolate chip ice cream on a chocolate brownie and my wife got the creme brulee. The server did forget the raspberries that were supposed to be on it but it was just an honest over site on his part and he did bring some out for us eventually. But BOTH deserts were wonderful!!! The server was very good and with the exception of forgetting the raspberries he did an excellent job. I thought the pricing was just a touch higher than it should have been but we did get two glasses of wine each and Irish Coffees with our desert so that probably added a little more to the bill. All in all, it wasn't bad, it wasn't great, it was just good. I would say about 3 stars worth of good.Bottom line.......will I go back there??? Well............maybe. Sushi Mono still gets my vote, without a doubt, for best downtown Wheaton restaurant!
(3)Jay C.
I had a mixed experience with this place. My girlfriend and I came in at about eight on a Thursday. The place was moderately full. The first thing I noticed was the lighting: this place looks stunning, especially for a corner location. They really did a good job turning it around. It's a great date spot. We ordered a few tapas dishes and munched steadily throughout the night. The brie cheese and pecans were especially good. On the whole the selections were satisfactory, but not amazing. The real reason that this place got three stars instead of four was because of the service. Our waitress was running bar as well and because of the two or three patrons sitting there, my date and I got forgotten a bit. The other help seemed to be getting round to the tables quickly enough, but the fact is that we were unattended. Sorry cellar bistro, so close.
(3)