The Barn - Evanston

I am from South Carolina and this was my second visit to The Barn while visiting the area. My wife and I were here for our 51st wedding anniversery in August an... read more I am from South Carolina and this was my second visit to The Barn while visiting the area. My wife and I were here for our 51st wedding anniversery in August and I was so impressed I had to go back before she leaves Chicago in December. The Food is simply outstanding. I had the filet that was perfectly cooked and so tender I believe I could have cut it with a fork. My wife had the ribeye and she said it was also cooked to perfection. In my 71 years, I don't think I have ever had a better steak. While I don't normally find mashed potatoes with a steak, the german marrow butterball potatoes are a perfect compliment to the steak. Finally, the chocolate velvet cake was rich, decadent and absolutely delicious. The staff and service are wonderful, very friendly, helpful and attentive without hovering. The Barn is not cheap eats but absolutley worth every dollar I spent both times.

The vibe inside is very nice. We were only able to get an outdoor seat. Turns out this is basically a couple tables with lawn chairs set up in a tent in the par... read more The vibe inside is very nice. We were only able to get an outdoor seat. Turns out this is basically a couple tables with lawn chairs set up in a tent in the parking lot. Zero effort to make that space pleasant in any way. The food was surprisingly mediocre, including the steak. It all felt like the restaurant knows they have a pretty dining room and one of the few “nice” places to eat in Evanston so they are mailing it in. It would last 15 minutes in a Chicago neighborhood. Terrible value for the quality of food and sad setting. Probably a nice place to meet a friend for a cocktail. But that’s it.

Our go-to, fine dining experience when we are in Evanston. Always perfect. read more Our go-to, fine dining experience when we are in Evanston. Always perfect.

Their pasta special was extremely oily with crowd. Meat mixed in taste was rather bland. I definitely would not do it again. read more Their pasta special was extremely oily with crowd. Meat mixed in taste was rather bland. I definitely would not do it again.

Beautiful and delicious anniversary dinner! Perfect place to celebrate read more Beautiful and delicious anniversary dinner! Perfect place to celebrate