The Little Gem Restaurant

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1. M

   Moog

   Philadelphia

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 7 days ago

   overall5food4service4ambience5

   Great ambience. Delicious food. Service very attentive

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2. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 14, 2023

   overall2food3service1ambience1

   We had a reservation and we were seated by the kitchen. When we asked to move the host declined unless we wanted to speak to manger (made to feel like a pain). There were several two tops open the entire time we were there. We live in the community and have often gone to this restaurant with friends and family over the years. We will not be coming back.

   Report
3. JW

   JackWack

   Chicago

   19 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   19 reviews

   Dined on January 12, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   I love Little Gem! That’s exactly what it is! Also love that it’s woman owned! My friends and I will be back - again and again! Maybe I’ll try Encore by myself sometime. I prefer live music solo so no one is trying to talk to me. This will be a test - I love a restaurant / venue that knows how to welcome a woman alone.😊

   Report
4. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   21 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   21 reviews

   Dined on January 11, 2023

   overall3food2service4ambience4

   The ambiance was very nice. The food was very mediocre, which is a shame because I’d come back for the atmosphere if the food was up to par. Beyond mediocre was the sausage in my mothers pasta. It tasted like it was on the edge of being spoiled. We were told they ran out of their house made sausage and had to buy some. It was gross, yet they still charged us for it. The red wines were so warm we had to add a ice…to an $18 glass of wine! Needless to say, we won’t be back.

   Report
5. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   2 reviews

   4.0

   2 reviews

   Dined on January 10, 2023

   overall4food4service4ambience3

   Nice table by the window. Excellent seasoned French fries with the delicious, large burger.

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6. CK

   ConnieK

   Chicago

   9 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   9 reviews

   Dined on January 8, 2023

   overall2food2service3ambience3

   Food was bad. We all had cheeseburgers and agreed the meat tasted funny.

   Report
7. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   Chicago

   1 review

   vip
   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 8, 2023

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The ambiance, amazing food, great service and the amazing live music made for a wonderful night with friends!

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8. M

   Marymar

   Chicago

   1 review

   2.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 8, 2023

   overall2food3service3ambience4

   First time at little gem and it was disappointing. We ordered 2 old fashions which tasted off and not made properly. The diners next to us also ordered a Manhattan which they sent back since it was not made correctly. The food was good but small portions for the price, specifically the sea bass. Ordered dessert and coffee. The coffee was cold.

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9. AD

   AmyD

   Chicago

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined on January 8, 2023

   overall3food3service4ambience3

   I was expecting a quieter dinner hour (6:45-8:30) but was overwhelmed with the volume of the music. I love live music and welcome it at a restaurant, appreciate that there is no cover, but do not like when my dinner partner and I can't hear each other. It was too loud. This entertainer is very talented. I will go see him when it is not at a restaurant where I want to dine and talk. Food was a bit pricey.

   Report
10. JM

    JamieM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 8, 2023

    overall4food3service3ambience5

    I went with my husband and two friends. Overall we had a good time. It's a cute, cozy place. The cookie skillet was my favorite. A couple of negatives: I ordered an appetizer that wasn't brought out and the stuffed pork chop was very dry. I tried to cut it with a butter knife until my husband finally asked for a steak knife to end my struggle. My husband and our two friends loved their food though and they did look delicious. For that reason, I would go back but order something different and make a bigger noise about really wanting my appetizer. LOL!

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11. CB

    ChristineB

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Lovely luncheon. A big noisy and we chow to sit back in the booth near the bar- which at the time had no patrons. With wood floors and brick walls, to be expected.

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12. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Everything was perfect from moment we walked in until I got the check. Customer service was top notch, food was great, and the waiter made sure we were all happy. We will definitely be back and definitely recommending to others.

    Report
13. D

    Dd25

    Chicago

    18 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on January 5, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4

    I didn’t realize there are 2 restaurants, one with live jazz. But it worked out fine as the music was good and not too loud. Good food and pleasant service. I would go back.

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14. RD

    RoDa

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    4.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    New Year’s Eve reservation for 8:15 lasted disappointingly long as the kitchen staff were overwhelmed. We ended up having very long waits in between courses. The server was most attentive and the food was really good but the timing was definitely wearing on us.

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15. VS

    VickiS

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on January 1, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    6 friends went out for New Year’s Eve dinner. Everyone enjoyed their appetizers, soup or salad, and main meal.It was a very nice evening

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16. LN

    LauraN

    New York Area

    3 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience4

    Very expensive new year’s dinner. Steak was excellent. Service was poor. Had to order everything at once even though the other tables were being served the courses in sequence. A fixed menu does not mean rushing the customers. Server brought me the wrong appetizer. New plates were put on the tiny table before used plates were removed. The desserts about half the size of other restaurants. Not special enough for over $200.

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17. OV

    OnVacation

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Lovely place for dinner on NYE! Quality menu, pleasant and efficient staff. Thank you!

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18. MS

    ManningS

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The NYE menu was excellent. Our compliments to the chef. Our server Louise did an outstanding job.

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19. HS

    HSS802

    Chicago

    15 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    It was a great night out, the live music was fantastic, food and drinks were delicious. Our server John and bartender Megan are the best - friendly and attentive. We love coming here for the music and dining, always a nice evening. Thank you!

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20. KK

    KristineK

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The service was exceptional. The food was absolutely delicious. The ambience so perfectly appointed French Bistro. The music was great. It was an awesome evening.

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21. OP

    OPresident

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    vip
    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 25, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience4

    Unfortunately the restaurant wasn’t prepared for the Xmas eve menu. Wait staff was slim and lots of excuses. We love Gem - so will give another go. Hopefully this is a one off.

    Report
22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall1food2service2ambience4

    Service was slow. They advertised a four course prix fixe menu and didn’t have half of the things on there. The mushroom appetizer was embarrassingly small. The baccala dish lacked imagination and flavor. The broccoli was advertised as roasted but was actually steamed. They didn’t have any of the four desserts that they advertised. The food took forever to come out. My wine had a piece of cork floating in it. And then they charged me $200+. Overall a horrible experience. Luckily it was the holidays, so I didn’t make a fuss in the restaurant. Will not be going back. I feel that I was taken advantage of for the price that I paid. I wouldn’t have came there if I knew that they didn’t have half of the items that they advertised. The bar didn’t even have cherries.

    Report
23. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 24, 2022

    overall2food5service1ambience3

    I am a long time customer of the little gem restaurant. It’s my go to place when I need to have food that is going to be delicious and served in a great atmosphere. The Christmas Eve dinner was as expected. Very delicious, the service just did not match my previous experience or expectation for this particular evening, my wife and I arrived at our reservation time 5 PM. We received our dessert after several request and speaking to the manager about the slow service we were receiving at 7 PM. This was extremely disappointing as the dessert was off of the prefix menu and was literally two slices of cake, I am unsure about participating in another event at the restaurant because of the service and the lack of responsiveness of the manager on shift. It was not the best moment for the little gym.

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24. LM

    LtngMD

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on December 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We went for ‘date nite’ special: on weds/th - 1 appetizer, 2 salads, 2 entrees, 1 dessert and a bottle of wine for $95. Nice and varied choices, good service despite snowstorm and being short staffed, wonderful food. They’ve mounted rugs to some walls for noise deadening so much quieter than previously

    Report
25. MO

    MinO

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall2food1service1ambience4

    Not. Good. Food. Over salty, not as menu describes. Mediocre service. Cute atmosphere However

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26. KZ

    KZee8

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on December 22, 2022

    overall4food3service3ambience5

    Food- burratta, short ribs, calamari, hanger steak good. Service polite. Waiter was very busy. Plan on 3 hours for dinner. Got too late for desert. 🙄 Difficult to hear the other person a accross table. Pasta with sausage extremely salty. Ambiance great.

    Report
27. JB

    JenniferB

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 20, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience5

    Was the cute intimate vibe I was looking for, for a girls lunch. Food was good just not spectacular but I don’t think I was expecting spectacular. Overall a thumbs up.

    Report
28. DW

    DebbieW

    Chicago

    17 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on December 18, 2022

    overall2food4service2ambience4

    The server was great; very knowledgeable and service oriented. However, we came for a 7:15pm reservation and we’re seated at 8:15! No management came to say anything or offer to buy a round of drinks or any explanation at all. The music kept people at their tables longer. Then they tried to sit our party of 4 at a 2 top. I was most embarrassed as I was the one who picked the restaurant to dine with our friends. Then our friends steak was over cooked so he had to select s different dish. A very terrible experience.

    Report
29. ML

    MarcusL

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience3

    I love Little Gem Restaurant. However, what was new this time is that we were seated in the new Encore section. I didn't know this was going to happen. I think they should let you know before you get there if that is where they are going to seat you. I would have preferred to have been seated on the original side. Encore is like a different restaurant. The food is the same but it is noisier and there is live entertainment of which you may not be interested. It is also colder as there is only a curtain that is used to block the cold air when the door is opened.

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30. k

    kappa

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This is obviously the best-kept secret in Oak Park. The staff was friendly and super attentive, the food delicious and the ambiance top-notch. I met 7 friends for our annual holiday celebration and the noise level was perfect for us to carry on a conversation which is a challenge in most restaurants with high ceilings these days. Several of us are vegetarians, we had multiple delightful entrees to choose from. It was the perfect holiday spot, I look forward to coming back in the evening for a quiet dinner for two.

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31. GJ

    GabrielJ

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great place for an elegant and romantic dining or just to hang out.👍🏾

    Report
32. C

    Coco

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on December 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    All our food was perfectly prepared, but the service really stood out! Live jazz at a high quality level added to the experience. Loud enough to enjoy, yet soft enough to be able to hear the wait staff and all at our table. Great job Little Gem!

    Report
33. JP

    JPSANA

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on December 11, 2022

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Prime rib was a bit salty and looked like it was under the broiler. Great flavor and tender. Just different prep then I expected. I would be back we just love this place.

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34. JR

    JuliaR

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Always a great meal and a warm atmosphere and great service making dinner out the indulgent treat one looks forward to.

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35. DG

    DavidG

    Denver

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service, menu, and food.

    Report
36. J

    Julie

    Chicago

    67 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    67 reviews

    Dined on December 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Neighborhood gem. Great food and Kyle is an amazing server!

    The Little Gem RestaurantResponded on December 10, 2022Thank you - We Really Appreciate Your Visit Yes, Kyle is a Sweetheart. He has been here since DAY 1

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37. UW

    UWMom

    Chicago

    59 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    59 reviews

    Dined on December 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I love this place. They could not be nicer. The food and cocktails are lovely and delicious.

    The Little Gem RestaurantResponded on December 10, 2022Thank you!

    Report
38. LL

    LisaL

    Las Vegas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Wonderful evening with friends to be together after a long hiatus. Carlos was gracious and accommodating! Would recommend food, service and atmosphere.

    The Little Gem RestaurantResponded on December 10, 2022Thank you!

    Report
39. EB

    EmilyB

    Seattle

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 6, 2022

    overall2food2service2ambience4

    My friend had to send back her meal 2 times because they didn't get it right. It wasn't even hard. turkey club. First not on wheat bread, then an entire meal was a different Sandwich then when the sandwich came the bacon wasn't cooked. Usually, we have a great experience.

    The Little Gem RestaurantResponded on December 10, 2022Hi, I am sorry but we do not sell Turkey Club Sandwhiches... Could you be referring to another restaurant?

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40. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on December 4, 2022

    overall4food5service4ambience5

    Dining out for husband birthday wanted to try somewhere new with a nice cocktail menu. Cocktails (Manhattan and cosmopolitan) hit the spot. French onion soup was terrific and entrees were delicious (hanger steak and braised short ribs). Only issue we should’ve order all food at one time. We waited quite a bit for entrees because we didn’t place that order until we were done with soup. But overall very happy with the little gem and plan to come and try other menu items.

    The Little Gem RestaurantResponded on December 10, 2022Thank you!

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