Magnolia Cafe

1224 W Wilson Ave
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 728-8785

I came here on a chilly November night for a business dinner and we all know what that means - COMPED! So, if I was paying attention to the prices, I may feel differently about this place. Even with someone else footing the bill, I was respectful of the price points.

I enjoyed the wine selection. My friend got a glass of Malbec and I got the Tempranillo. They were both excellent choices. We started the meal out with the crab cake and found it tasty and filling. I am usually quick to complain about not getting enough food and, for an app, I thought it was a good amount. I forget what my friend got for an entree, but I got the chicken with potatoes (mashed! yum!) and veggies (asparagus! boo! yuck!) and liked it a great deal. The chicken was thick, hugely portioned and served in its juices and it went wonderfully with the potatoes. I did not eat my veggies and was chastised by my waiter for leaving them on the plate. I let him off the hook. He was trying to be funny and, up to that point, was pretty helpful. He activated, however, the John William side-eye. He needed to.tread.lightly!

For dessert we got some sort of chocolate cake with ice cream that was good. It was nothing extra-ordinary but a nice way to cap off the meal. The dining room is intimate with exposed brick. There weren't that many people in the restaurant at the time - which I really liked. My father owned a restaurant and I know the pain of not being busy on a Friday night...but I was coming off a really hard week and having the space to lounge and the leisure to enjoy my meal (rather than wolf it down to free up the table) was intoxicating.

My friend scooped up the bill, so I don't know the damage, but I ordered as though I was paying, so I know I didn't spend an exorbitant amount of money. It's certainly not the wallet-hurt I have experienced at other north-side restaurants. Would I go back? Probably. Would I rush to do so? No. Did I enjoy myself? Yes. It's a pleasant restaurant with pleasant food and a pleasant atmosphere. I like the fact that it's a nice restaurant in a neighborhood other than Wicker Park/River North/Lakeview.