Bistro Monadnock offers a truly unique dining experience, blending the charm of classic American cuisine with the historic ambiance of the Monadnock Building. Located in the heart of Chicago, this bistro invites guests to enjoy expertly prepared dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
Whether you’re in the mood for a casual meal or a special celebration, Bistro Monadnock provides the perfect atmosphere for any occasion.
The Story Behind Bistro Monadnock
Bistro Monadnock, owned by brothers John, Karl & Graeme Fehr and led by Executive Chef Johnny Besch, is more than just a restaurant. Situated within the historic Monadnock Building, it’s a celebration of Chicago’s history and culture, paying homage to the rich legacy of its architectural surroundings.
The building, completed in 1893, is renowned for its innovative design and stands as a symbol of Chicago’s architectural renaissance. Bistro Monadnock brings this history to life with a menu that reflects the diverse culinary influences that have shaped Chicago’s dining scene.
Step Inside: The Atmosphere and Interior
As you step inside, you are greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The interior combines modern bistro style with vintage charm, reflecting the building’s historical roots. Exposed brick walls, polished wood accents, and soft lighting create an intimate and welcoming environment. Whether you’re dining with friends, family, or on a romantic night out, Bistro Monadnock’s ambiance enhances every experience.
Bistro Monadnock Menu Prices
Brunch Menu
Hors D’oeuvres
| Item | Price ($) | Description |
| Bread & Fat | 7 | French baguette, house-cultured butter |
| Yogurt Parfait | 12 | Mick Klug farm fruit, nuts & seeds |
| Steak Tartare | 19 | Dry-aged beef, farm egg variation, wholegrain mustard |
| Escargots | 19 | French snails, mâitre d’hôtel butter, puff pastry, charred lemon |
| Oysters on the Half Shell | 24 | East & West Coast oysters, seasonal mignonette, 1/2 doz |
| Shrimp Cocktail | 21 | Oishii shrimp, michelada cocktail, dijonnaise |
Soupe Et Salade
| Item | Price ($) | Description |
| Classic French Onion | 15 | Veal stock, gruyere, emmental, crostini |
| Baby Greens | 10 | Verjus vinaigrette, shaved vegetables |
| Frisée aux Lardons | 16 | Bacon, champagne vinaigrette, 1-hour egg, gaufrette potato
{add 3-piece fried oyster +10} |
| Bonito Caesar Salad | 15 | Baby gem lettuce, persillade crouton, parmigiano-reggiano |
Sweet Tooth
| Item | Price ($) | Description |
| Sourdough Beignets | 13 | Maple-hazelnut praline, Mick Klug farm fruit |
| Bananas Foster Belgian Waffle | 14 | Rum, butter, Mick Klug farm fruit, house-made gelato |
| Challah French Toast | 16 | Crème, house-made gelato |
Brunch Classics
| Item | Price ($) | Description |
| French Omelette | 15 | Gruyere, chive, baby greens |
| Classic Diner Combo | 18 | 2 eggs any style, confit potato, choice of meat or vegetable or [green chili tofu scramble +5]
(bacon, boudin blanc, toulouse sausage, seasonal vegetable) |
| Steak & Eggs | 42 | Prime flatiron, 2 eggs any style, mâitre d’hôtel butter, confit potato, toast |
| Shakshuka | 21 | San Marzano tomato stew, goat cheese, poached eggs, crostini au rouille |
| Le Hash | 21 | Pastrami burnt ends, tasso ham, boudin blanc, confit potato, poached eggs, black pepper mornay |
Sandwichs
| Item | Price ($) | Description |
| {Add Beef Fat Fries or Baby Greens} | +7 | |
| Bistro Burger | 18 | Dry-aged sirloin steak, butter, brioche bun, red onion relish, dijonnaise, gruyere [add egg +3 or bacon +5] |
| Croque Madame | 19 | Baguette, mornay, smoked ham, dijon, sunny side up egg |
| Le Rachel | 20 | PQB bread, house pastrami, Ukrainian dressing, powerkraut, Jarlsberg cheese |
| Breakfast Sliders | 19 | Brioche buns, egg custard, bacon-onion jam, smoked gouda |
Sides
| Item | Price ($) | Description |
| Frites with Aioli | 7 | |
| Two Eggs Any Style | 5 | |
| Confit Potato | 8 | |
| Protein | 8 | Bacon, boudin blanc, or toulouse sausage |
| Seasonal Vegetables | 6 | |
| Green Chili Tofu | 6 | |
| Warm Toast with Butter & Jam | 7 | Choice of baguette, challah, PQB bread with house-cultured butter & jam |
Lunch Menu
Hors d’Oeuvres
| Dish | Description | Price ($) |
| Bread & Fat | french baguette, house-cultured butter | 7 |
| Frites | beef fat fries, garlic aioli, ketchup | 7 |
| Steak Tartare | dry-aged beef, farm egg variation, wholegrain mustard | 19 |
| Escargots | french snails, mâitre d’hôtel butter, puff pastry, charred lemon | 19 |
| Oysters on the Half Shell | east & west coast oysters, seasonal mignonette, 1/2 dozen | 24 |
| Shrimp Cocktail | oishii shrimp, michelada cocktail, dijonnaise | 21 |
Soupe
| Dish | Description | Price ($) |
| Classic French Onion | veal stock, gruyere, emmental, crostini | 15 |
| Soup du Jour | rotating, seasonal preparation | 10 / 14 |
Salade
| Dish | Description | Price ($) |
| Bonito Caesar | baby gem lettuce, persillade crouton, parmigiano-reggiano | 15 |
| Riviera | verjus vinaigrette, haricots verts, oil-cured olive, fingerling potato, soft-boiled egg | 16 |
| Frisée aux Lardons | bacon, champagne vinaigrette, 1-hour egg, gaufrette potato | 16 |
| Grilled Cucumber Salad | farro, honey yogurt, ravigote, english peas, mint | 15 |
Add-ons for Salads:
- Cornish hen +10
- oishii shrimp +13
- flatiron steak +18
- 3-piece fried oyster +10
Sandwichs
| Dish | Description | Price ($) |
| Bistro Burger | dry-aged sirloin steak, butter, brioche bun, red onion relish, dijonnaise, gruyere | 18 |
| Croque Madame | baguette, mornay, smoked ham, sunny side up egg | 19 |
| Le Rachel | PQB bread, house pastrami, ukrainian dressing, powerkraut, jarlsberg cheese | 20 |
| Mushroom Melt | PQB bread, fried maitake, emmental, garlic aioli, caramelized onion | 22 |
| Jambon Beurre | baguette, smoked ham, house cultured butter, cornichons | 17 |
Add Beef Fat Fries or Baby Greens to Sandwiches +7
Lunch Special
| Special | Description | Price ($) |
| 1/2 Sandwich & Baby Greens | choice of croque madame, le rachel, mushroom melt, or jambon beurre | 19 |
| 1/2 Sandwich & Cup of Soup du Jour | same sandwich options | 21 |
Plats
| Dish | Description | Price ($) |
| Striped Bass | fennel cream, herbs, raw salad, aromatic oil | 32 |
| Parisian Gnocchi | morel mushroom, fava beans, peas, garlic & leek confit, preserved lemon | 36 |
| Steak Frites | 8oz prime Beeman Ranch flatiron, beef fat fries, mâitre d’hôtel butter | 42 |
Non-Alcoholic
| Drink | Price ($) |
| GRUVI Juicy IPA | 9 |
| Duché de Longueville Cider | 8 |
Dinner Menu
Soupe
| Dish | Description | Price ($) |
| Classic French Onion Soup | veal stock, gruyere, emmental, crostini | 15 |
| Soup du Jour | rotating, seasonal preparation | 10/14 |
🥗 Salade
| Dish | Description | Price ($) |
| Riviera | verjus vinaigrette, haricots verts, oil-cured olive, fingerling potato, soft-boiled egg | 16 |
| Frisée aux Lardons | bacon, champagne vinaigrette, 1-hour egg, gaufrette potato
~ add 3-piece fried oyster [+10] ~ |
16 |
| Grilled Cucumber Salad | farro, honey yogurt, ravigote, english peas, mint | 15 |
| Bibb | ossau-iraty, chive, creamy dijon vinaigrette | 14 |
🍽️ Hors D’oeuvres
| Dish | Description | Price ($) |
| Bread & Fat | french baguette, house-cultured butter | 7 |
| Frites | beef fat fries, garlic aioli, ketchup | 7 |
| Foie Gras Terrine | white chocolate, asparagus, fresh & pickled strawberry, pink peppercorn | 36 |
| Smoked Steelhead | trout roe, escabeche, verdita, chartreuse, saltine cracker | 16 |
| Escargots | french snails, maître d’hôtel butter, puff pastry, charred lemon | 19 |
| Steak Tartare | dry-aged beef, farm egg variation, wholegrain mustard | 19 |
| Moules Marinières | PEI mussels, maître d’hôtel butter, garlic, shallot, fine herb, white wine | 21 |
| Oysters Rockefeller | bacon, absinthe, cream, persillade, half dozen | 28 |
🧀 Charcuterie Et Fromage
| Dish | Description | Price ($) |
| Charcuterie | mix of four fermented, ground salumi & whole muscle dry-cured meats (4 oz) | 28 |
| Fromage Selection | rotating artisan cheese | 10/oz |
🍽️ Plats
| Dish | Description | Price ($) |
| Bistro Burger | dry-aged sirloin steak, butter, brioche bun, red onion relish, dijonnaise, gruyere | 18 |
| Croque Madame | baguette, mornay, smoked ham, sunny side up egg | 19 |
| Parisian Gnocchi | morel mushroom, fava beans, peas, garlic & leek confit, preserved lemon | 36 |
| Cornish Hen | confit leg & thigh, roasted airline, black garlic natural jus, seasonal vegetables | 36 |
| Skate Wing Ala Grenobloise | sherry-brown butter, fried capers, lemon supreme, croutons, chicory | 34 |
| Striped Bass | fennel cream, herbs, raw salad, aromatic oil | 32 |
| Spring Rabbit “Pot au Feu” | confit leg & thigh, rabbit boudin blanc, bone marrow, shiitake mushroom, baby vegetables | 64 |
| Steak Frites | served with beef fat fries & maître d’hôtel butter:
8oz prime flatiron: 42 16oz prime, dry-aged ribeye: 68 |
42/68 |
🦪 Fruits De Mer
| Dish | Description | Price ($) |
| Maui Oyster Shooter | quail egg, trout roe, verdita, shiso leaf | 12 |
| Oysters | 1/2 dozen east & west coast, seasonal mignonette | 24 |
| Caviar Service | osetra noir: 95
platinum osetra: 125 |
95/125 |
| Shrimp Cocktail | oishii shrimp, michelada cocktail, dijonnaise | 21 |
Why Choose Bistro Monadnock?
A Taste of Chicago’s History
When you dine at Bistro Monadnock, you’re not just enjoying a meal—you’re experiencing Chicago’s rich architectural and culinary history. The bistro’s location in the historic Monadnock Building gives it a unique charm that adds to the overall dining experience. Whether you’re a local or visiting the city, they offer a memorable and delicious way to connect with Chicago’s past while savoring modern American cuisine.
Impeccable Service
At Bistro Monadnock, great food is paired with exceptional service. The friendly and attentive staff are always available to ensure you have the best dining experience. Whether you have specific dietary preferences or need wine recommendations, the team is there to help you make the most of your visit.
Bistro Monadnock: A Perfect Venue for Special Occasions
Whether you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or hosting a corporate event, Bistro Monadnock provides an excellent venue for special occasions. The restaurant offers both intimate dining spaces and larger areas for group gatherings. With its delicious food and inviting atmosphere, it is the perfect place to create lasting memories.
Quick Guide About Bistro Monadnock
| Google Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.8 (263 reviews) |
| Price Range | $50–100 per person |
| Cuisine | French restaurant |
| Location | 325 S Federal St, Chicago, IL 60604, United States |
| Floor | Floor 1 · Monadnock Building |
| Opening Hours | 11:30 am–9 pm |
| Reservation | Reserve a table |
| Services Offered | Dine-in, Takeaway |
| Phone Number | +1 312-945-7040 |
| Website | For the Bistro Monadnock menu with prices, visit the official website here. |
| Google Plus Code | V9GC+X4 Chicago, Illinois, USA |
Location and Accessibility
Bistro Monadnock is conveniently located in the heart of Chicago, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city. The restaurant is situated in the historic Monadnock Building at:
53 W Jackson Blvd, Chicago, IL 60604, USA
Nearby Landmarks
Bistro is within walking distance of several iconic Chicago landmarks, including the Art Institute of Chicago and Millennium Park. This makes it an ideal stop for those exploring the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.
How to Get There
Public transportation options are readily available, with several bus and train lines stopping nearby. There is also ample parking in the vicinity, making it convenient for those driving to the restaurant.
Location on Map:
Book Your Table
Ready to experience classic American cuisine in a historic setting? Book your table today and indulge in delicious food, impeccable service, and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. Explore the menu and make a reservation here.
Bistro Monadnock Reviews
Overall Reviews: 4.8/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐) Based on 263 reviews
i) Tammy Owins: 3.5/5 (⭐⭐⭐) (04-19-2025)
I stopped by for a late lunch without a reservation and opted to sit at the zinc-covered bar instead of the dining room. I had the grain salad with Cornish hen, but I found it a bit odd that the salad was served cold while the hen was hot on top. The flavors didn’t quite come together for me.
I stayed through the transition into Happy Hour, with a few regulars around the bar. Around 3:30, the lights dimmed, which felt a bit strange given the already gloomy, cold day.
The restaurant offers multiple entrances from both inside and outside the building, and the restroom is accessible.
The service from the female bartender was excellent, and I appreciated her attentiveness.
Food: 3/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 3/5
ii) Yasmin Cordero: 4.5/5 (⭐⭐⭐⭐) (04-20-2025)
The atmosphere was quite pleasant, and I really enjoyed my time here. The food was tasty as well. I’d highly recommend the steak tartare, which was fantastic! We also tried the French onion soup and the burger, both of which were solid choices.
Food: 4/5 | Service: 5/5 | Atmosphere: 4/5
Recommended dish: Steak Tartare
For more reviews and ratings, visit Google Reviews.
FAQs
1. What food does Bistro Monadnock serve?
They serve American dishes with a modern touch. The menu includes everything from steaks and salmon to appetizers and delicious desserts. All the ingredients are fresh and local to give you the best taste.
2. Is the restaurant located in an old building?
Yes, the restaurant is in the Monadnock Building, a famous historic building in Chicago. It is known for its unique design and is a part of the city’s architectural history.
3. Can I make a reservation online?
Yes, you can book a table easily through their website. Just go to the reservations page, choose your time, and you’re all set.
4. Do you have vegetarian or vegan food options?
Yes, they have vegetarian and vegan options on the menu. If you have any special food preferences, you can ask the staff for more details.
5. Is there parking available?
Yes, there are several parking options near the restaurant, including street parking and parking garages, making it easy for you to find a spot.
6. Do you offer catering for events?
Yes, they offer catering for all kinds of events. Whether it’s a wedding, business meeting, or party, they can create a special menu for your occasion. You can contact them for more details.
Conclusion: A Must-Visit Chicago Bistro
Bistro Monadnock offers a true taste of Chicago, combining historical charm with modern American cuisine. Whether you are looking for a place to enjoy a casual meal or celebrate a special occasion, this bistro promises to deliver a dining experience that is both memorable and satisfying. Don’t miss out, plan your visit today and experience the best of American bistro fare in Chicago.
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