Jilly's Cafe

4.6

663 Reviews

$31 to $50

French

Make a booking

2 people

23 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

Charming
Neighbourhood gem
Good for special occasions

Located just outside the city of Chicago, Jilly's Café has been called a "North Shore Treasure" by Zagat's 2002 restaurant survey. Our French Countryside decor, handpicked flowers, and friendly wait staff make for an intimate and cozy atmosphere suitable for all kinds of occasions(NOW PATIO AVAILABLE,ASK FOR HOURS). Here authentic French food is served with an American twist making for enough dishes to keep our specials changing daily. We offer a Sunday brunch that carefully combines a traditional American brunch with French flavors, while champagne effortlessly flows throughout the course of the meal. Jilly's is available for private parties, and reservations are strongly recommended.

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French, American
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(847) 869-7636
Website
http://www.jillys.cafe/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Marcos Sanchez.
Private party facilities
Our French Countryside decor, handpicked flowers, and friendly wait staff make for an intimate and cozy atmosphere suitable for all kinds of occasions. Please contact us for more information about reserving our private dining room!

Location
2614 Green Bay Rd, Evanston, IL 60201
Area
Evanston
Cross Street
Central St
Parking details
Street parking on Central Street for lunch or anytime. For dinner during weekdays after 6:00 PM, Saturdays after 12:00 PM and Sunday anytime, parking is available at the HEART AutoCare parking lot located adjacent to the North on Greenbay Road. Please do not park outside those time at the HEART parking lot.Thank you
Public transit
Walking distance to "Evanston Central Street" stop on the Metra line (UP-N to Kenosha). Ten minute walk to the CTA Purple line: "Central" stop.
Additional
Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wine

Experiences

THANKSGIVING DINNER
US$70.00 per person
Multiple dates available
Special Prix Fixe Menu for THANKSGIVING DINNER. ($70 pp) Appetizers: Shrimp vol au vent, Butternut squash ravioli, Crispy goat cheese, Carrot-butternut squash soup, Arugula salad Intermezzo Entrees: Roasted Turkey, Trout Almondine, Pork Chop Desserts selections

Popular dishes

Smoked SalmonUS$14.00
Served over Potato Pancake with Crispy Onion and Tarragon Crème
Mussels MarinieresUS$15.00
Tossed with Fresh Herbs, Shallots and White Wine Cream. Sauce Served with Garlic Bread
Feullette of California Bay Scallops And ShrimpUS$16.00
Mushrooms, Spinach, and Lemon-Thyme Sauce
Escargot a La BourguignonneUS$14.00
Baked with Herb Butter and Garlic
Spring RollUS$12.00
Filled with Wild Mushrooms, Sweet Cherries, Spinach and Brie Cheese, served with Mixed Greens and Raspberry Vinaigrette
Crispy Goat CheeseUS$12.00
Grilled Asparagus and Tomato Balsamic Relish
Shrimp with Herbs And GarlicUS$15.00
Melted Brie Cheese and Grilled Baguette
Crab CakeUS$17.00
Sweet Corn Relish and Sauce Remoulade
Seared Foie GrasUS$22.00
Caramelized Granny Smith Apples and Raspberry Ale Reduction
- With 2oz of Sauternes WineUS$25.00

Les Soupes Et Salades

Tomato- Fennel SoupUS$8.00
with Garlic Croutons
Soup Du JourUS$8.00
Arugula SaladUS$12.00
Arugula, Blue Cheese, Apple, Walnuts, Balsamic Vinaigrette
Cesar SaladUS$10.00
Parmesan Cheese, Anchovies and Garlic Croutons
Diane's Beets SaladUS$12.00
Mixed Greens, Blue Cheese, Shaved Fennel, Red Onion, Toasted Walnuts and Raspberry Vinaigrette
Spinach SaladUS$12.00
Warm Goat Cheese, Red Onion and our very own Bacon Balsamic Vinaigrette
Poached Pear and Field Greens SaladUS$12.00
Blue Cheese, Walnuts and Red Wine Vinaigrette
Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella SaladUS$12.00
Cucumber, Red Onion, Scallion, Basil, Garlic Croutons and Red Wine Vinaigrette

Les Entrées – Viendes (Meats)

Cervena VenisonUS$40.00
Butternut Squash Puree, Haricots Verts, and Door County Cherry Demi-glace
Rack of LambUS$36.00
Blue Cheese Whipped Potatoes, Asparagus and Rosemary Jus
Steak FritesUS$34.00
Grilled Portabella Mushroom, Tomato Provencal and Maître D' Butter
French Ribeye SteakUS$45.00
Caramelized Onion, Melted Swiss Cheese, Ponme Fritte
Barbeque Glazed Beef Short RibsUS$32.00
Horseradish Whipped Potato and Red Wine Demi-glace
Skinless Breast of Duck And Confit LegUS$32.00
Asian Slaw, Wild Rice Cake and Plum Ginger Sauce
Roasted Pork TenderloinUS$26.00
Sweet Potato Puree, Broccoli, Lingonberry Sauce
Chicken PaillardUS$28.00
Potato Hemispheres, Arugula, Chery Tomato, Citrus Butter Sauce

Les Entrées – Poissons (Fish)

Seafood LinguineUS$36.00
Jumbo Lump Crab Meat, Shrimp, Chery Tomato, Zucchini, Pea Pods, White Wine, Lemon Cream Sauce
Grilled Seafood SkewersUS$35.00
Shrimp, Jumbo Sea Scallops, Asparagus, Orzo Pasta and Citrus Sauce
BoullabaisseUS$34.00
Scallops, Shrimp, Mussels and Market Fish with Braised Fennel, Roma Tomato, Garlic, Saffron, White Wine and Crouton with Rouille
- With LobsterUS$42.00
Trout AlmondineUS$30.00
Rainbow Trout, Hericots Verts, Potato Hemispheres, Slices Almonds, Citrus Butter Sauce
Herb Crusted Salmon FilletUS$28.00
Pearl Couscous, Broccoli, Two Mustard Sauce

Végetarian

Gnocchi ProvencalUS$22.00
Homemade Gnocchi, Chery Tomato, Baby Spinach, Garlic, Parmesan Cheese
Mushroom RisottoUS$22.00
Herbs, Roma Tomato, Asparagus and Garlic, Finished with Parmesan Cheese

A la Carte

Pomme FritesUS$8.00
Butternut Squash PureeUS$8.00
Sauteed SpinachUS$8.00
Steamed BroccoliUS$8.00
Sauteed MushroomsUS$8.00
Haricots VertsUS$8.00
Whipped PotatosUS$8.00
Sweet Potato PureeUS$8.00
AsparagusUS$10.00

What 663 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.5Food
4.6Service
4.5Ambience
4.2Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Chicago / Illinois
French
North Suburbs
Romantic

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Jilly's Cafe offers "amazing food" and "excellent service" in a cozy, intimate setting. Known for traditional French cuisine, standout dishes include crab cakes, steak frites, and creme brûlée. Guests appreciate the "welcoming atmosphere" and attentive staff, especially Angie. While some suggest updates, many find it a "hidden gem" worth visiting.

663 Reviews

G
Gene
Chicago
16 reviews
4.0
16 reviews
Dined 3 days ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 3
Jilly's has been around for a long time, and it kinda shows it. The ambience is kinda 1960's rooming house chic (well-worn, unchanged, with crystal chandeliers and second-hand furniture). The clientele is mostly elderly Northshore folks. The food is what was considered fancy French 40 years ago. For the most part it is tasty and well-prepared, although my mussels were overcooked and rubbery and another person in our party has a steak that he ordered as medium rare, but it had no pink in it whatsoever. It still tasted good enough that he didn't send it back. It has a homey feel. The servers are nice. The prices are steep.
Is this helpful?
P
Peggy
Chicago
23 reviews
vip
3.0
23 reviews
Dined 6 days ago
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 3
The restaurant needs to remove one table for 4. Everything is so squeezed together people can’t get to their seats without causing the people at the next table to get up and move. It really impacts one’s comfort during the meal. Other diners are way too close. I had duck and did not care for the sauce. My partner had lamb chops which looked great. He said they were good and tasted about the same as what we would make at home. He said the mashed potatoes were great, as was the cabbage soup recommended by the waitress. I loved the escargot. A little loud.
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A
Abby
Chicago
21 reviews
vip
5.0
21 reviews
Dined 7 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A great neighborhood spot! It feels like you're in a bistro in France. Great ambiance. Will definitely be back.
Is this helpful?
Z
Zakeya
Charlotte
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on 15 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Lovely petite size restaurant in a good neighborhood.
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r
robert
Chicago
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on 13 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
A wonderful French cafe experience. The staff was wonderful Friendly and Informative. The ambiance was understated and classic. The dinning room is small and perfect for an intimate romantic experience. The food is the highlight of the entire experience. Presentation is wonderful and the taste incredible. I had the short rib while my date had the trout. Both dishes were top notch while the sauce on the mussels is so delicious you should take it home if you can’t finish it. Jilly’s is best French restaurant I’ve eaten at in the Chicagoland area. 5 stars I’m sure to return to experience some other dishes.
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A
Aaron
Chicago
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 2
Perfectly adequate. Decent wine selection. Presentation is lacking, and some details are off (e.g. mashed potatoes with small chunks in them). Good enough for a casual dinner with friends, but not special.
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D
Dennis
Milwaukee
44 reviews
vip
5.0
44 reviews
Dined on 10 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Jilly’s has been great every time we have been there. Still a fine restaurant.
Is this helpful?
A
Avergirl
Chicago
27 reviews
vip
5.0
27 reviews
Dined on 9 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Really nice dinner at Jilly’s. Small, quaint place with fairly expansiveFrench menu. Excellent quality and presentation.
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L
Laura
Chicago
33 reviews
5.0
33 reviews
Dined on 8 November 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Realized I was here when they first opened. Came with my grandmother years ago! Finally went back with a friend and it was so quaint, cozy, food was delicious. Wish there was better parking options but would definitely go back again.
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D
Doug
Chicago
22 reviews
5.0
22 reviews
Dined on 27 October 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Seafood Linguine and Arugula Salad were excellent
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FAQs

Jilly's Cafe does offer delivery in partnership with Uber Eats. Jilly's Cafe also offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (847) 869-7636.

Jilly's Cafe is rated 4.6 stars by 663 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

23 Nov 2024

19:00

Booked 11 times today

Experiences are available.

Order delivery or takeout

2614 Green Bay Rd, Evanston, IL 60201

Additional information

Cross Street
Central St
Area
Evanston
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 10:00 am–2:00 pm Dinner Tue–Thu, Sun 5:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–10:00 pm
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French, American
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
Street parking on Central Street for lunch or anytime. For dinner during weekdays after 6:00 PM, Saturdays after 12:00 PM and Sunday anytime, parking is available at the HEART AutoCare parking lot located adjacent to the North on Greenbay Road. Please do not park outside those time at the HEART parking lot.Thank you
Public transit
Walking distance to "Evanston Central Street" stop on the Metra line (UP-N to Kenosha). Ten minute walk to the CTA Purple line: "Central" stop.
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Marcos Sanchez.
Additional
Cafe, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Takeout, Wine

Website
http://www.jillys.cafe/
Phone number
(847) 869-7636
Private party facilities
Our French Countryside decor, handpicked flowers, and friendly wait staff make for an intimate and cozy atmosphere suitable for all kinds of occasions. Please contact us for more information about reserving our private dining room!

Jilly's Cafe

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

THANKSGIVING DINNER

Steak Frites

Roasted Pork Tenderloin

Escargot

Hors D'Oeuvres

Smoked SalmonUS$14.00

Mussels MarinieresUS$15.00

Feullette of California Bay Scallops And ShrimpUS$16.00

Escargot a La BourguignonneUS$14.00

Spring RollUS$12.00

Crispy Goat CheeseUS$12.00

Shrimp with Herbs And GarlicUS$15.00

Crab CakeUS$17.00

Seared Foie GrasUS$22.00

Les Soupes Et Salades

Tomato- Fennel SoupUS$8.00

Soup Du JourUS$8.00

Arugula SaladUS$12.00

Cesar SaladUS$10.00

Diane's Beets SaladUS$12.00

Spinach SaladUS$12.00

Poached Pear and Field Greens SaladUS$12.00

Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella SaladUS$12.00

Les Entrées – Viendes (Meats)

Cervena VenisonUS$40.00

Rack of LambUS$36.00

Steak FritesUS$34.00

French Ribeye SteakUS$45.00

Barbeque Glazed Beef Short RibsUS$32.00

Skinless Breast of Duck And Confit LegUS$32.00

Roasted Pork TenderloinUS$26.00

Chicken PaillardUS$28.00

Les Entrées – Poissons (Fish)

Seafood LinguineUS$36.00

Grilled Seafood SkewersUS$35.00

BoullabaisseUS$34.00

Trout AlmondineUS$30.00

Herb Crusted Salmon FilletUS$28.00

Végetarian

Gnocchi ProvencalUS$22.00

Mushroom RisottoUS$22.00

A la Carte

Pomme FritesUS$8.00

Butternut Squash PureeUS$8.00

Sauteed SpinachUS$8.00

Steamed BroccoliUS$8.00

Sauteed MushroomsUS$8.00

Haricots VertsUS$8.00

Whipped PotatosUS$8.00

Sweet Potato PureeUS$8.00

AsparagusUS$10.00

Overall ratings and reviews

Diners' Choice Awards

Review summary

FAQs

Does Jilly's Cafe offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Jilly's Cafe restaurant rated?

Is Jilly's Cafe currently accepting bookings?

Make a booking

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information