When I first entered Norman's, I was pleasantly surprised at how such a classy place could be located on such a, 'not-so-classy' corner of Kenwood. The ambience was very welcoming, and it emitted a neo-soul kind of feel to it. But then I was greeted. I had arrived early for a planned party of about 10 people. The manager didn't have our reservation (which could have been our fault), and proceeded to situate some tables for us. With this place being able to easily accomodate around 100 people, and there only being about 8 people eating, I was surprised that he would seat us (literally) right next to the entrance. The waitress convinced him to find another place for our group (while we were there, only 6-7 more people came in). Typically, when I patronize new establishments, I expect that the staff and service would be too new to be settled already: we were not immediately offered water, we had to wait for them to "photocopy" additional menus, and the silverware was not 'user-friendly'. Our food was great. I ordered the creole seafood platter and it was a very nice-sized portion, as well as the other entrees the other guests ordered. Just the right amount of seasoning and temperature made it excellent. Overall I like the potential for Norman's. I actually plan to inquire about having a private party in the back bar area. I do plan to return, as I always patronize a place at least twice before making my mind up, but I wanted others to know that "all that glitters is not gold". Would I go back to Normans? Yes Would I recommend Norman's? Yes Do I have some suggestions for Norman's? Absolutely: 1) Clean your silverware. Your staff seems to have enough downtime to wipe off the silverware to eliminate water spots and anything else that may influence me to not use it as-is. 2) Have the manager come around and check on the guests. It wasn't that busy for him not to have checked in with us, especially with a group our size who dropped $250 on a birthday party. 3) If you're going to have an iced tea beverage called "Island tea", make it taste different than cold Lipton and I shouldn't have to add sugar to it. 4) Wash the table cloths. Its a turnoff to go to a new restaurant and the table cloths are already stained. If they can't be washed, then replace them. Not a good look. 5) Don't photocopy the menus then ask for them back. A classy drink menu, but a photocopied entree menu that has been copied so much it's almost blurry is also not a good look. read more

Delicious variety of brunch items with great service. I would defintely venture out to try their other menu items. Great food, great place, great service! read more

Norman's Bistro is a great place to relax and have a enjoyable meal or a well deserved drink. The atmosphere is great and the staff is friendly. The cranberry breadpudding is to die for!!!!!! read more

Eating in peace!!!!! Love the fact that they have a lot of turkey options!!!! I could eat here everyday!!!! Lobster pot pie is my fav!!!

Disappointed. Burger was WACK. BUN was cheap. The smashed yams were good though but couldnt make up for the main dish. Sadness Fills my heart. read more

Just had dinner at this "HOT SPOT." Food was good, serves was crazy I don't know if they hire help from Mickie D's or Burger King. Waitress and Waiter need to be traded before servicing patrons. Our Waitress did not know the menu, when asked if the lamb, was lamb chop or rack of lamb she said, she don't eat lamb, "which one has bones?" Then she was asked about the ribs she said she don't eat pork!understandable. But you should know about the Resturant menu. Also, she kept blaming the kitchen for everything that was wrong, who does that? If I am not mistaking the waitress or waiter is the one who places the order for the kitchen. Please, Please, Please train your staff in order to keep patronage coming to this establishment get a handle on it before it's too late. read more

When we arrived around 3pm on Saturday there was no one else there except for the staff and us. The nice waitress said we could sit down where ever we wanted and they seem short staffed. I ordered the overpriced, dry Cesar Chicken Wrap with a side of fries. That was 17$ by itself. It lacked Cesar Dressing and was very dry and warm, but the tomatoes added some moisture. I sat next to the window with my guests and there were some lovely dead bugs entangled in a majestic spider web dangling right above my shoulder on the wall. They keep the restaurant pretty clean but just need to do some lint dusting. The food and service was ordinary. The menu is overpriced for what your getting. We also ordered a catfish meal that was 20$. My friend ordered a bowl of gumbo that was 27$, she said it was aight but nothing mind blowing. Some of the creepy wait staff watched us eat and walked around doing random tasks. This place isn't bad but its not great. read more

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This is a nice cozy upscale looking spot to stop in and have a lunch or dinner date. Plenty of parking Nd the food was good. It did take them a while to bring our food and I was included in a party of 4. Overall, a nice place to go. read more

Amazing food for 130! We used Norman's to cater our wedding and we couldn't be happier. They worked with us every step of the way (remotely - as we flew in for the wedding) to ensure that everything was done at the highest level at the most reasonable cost. The food was delicious and ample; the service was incredible; and Chef Robert worked so hard to make everything go off without a hitch - working around some issues at the beginning without a peep or disturbing the event one iota. The mark of a true professional. I don't have enough good things to say about this place and I hope you use them for your next catering event!!! read more

Does not value customer just numbers and driving volume. Counts on ethnic loyalty and nothing else. Wait staff is indifferent, unable to multitask ( inattentive at bar - partial completion of orders in Dining ) and generally lack professionalism. Voiced concerns responded to with under the breath profanity. Management Team have excuses instead of righting a wrong of poor quality and service. read more

The lobster and chicken gumbo was Excellent, looking forward to trying other items on menu.

Great food, nice atmosphere. Loved being able to smoke my cigar outside with my drink. Chatted with Norman briefly. Cool dude. We're going back soon. read more

Love this place!!! It reminds me of the upscale Black-owned eateries that I am used to in Atlanta...just what Chicago needs! Haven't eaten there yet, just drinks so far. I will be back for brunch this weekend. Norman waited on us personally on Saturday night and he was very nice and professional. He really takes pride in his business and welcomes customers feedback. I look forward to supporting our new businesses. read more

My experience was HORRIBLE at Norman's Bistro in Hyde Park/Bronzville! This is how my evening went: * I arrived at the restaurant around 7:15 pm on 05/03/14 (please remember my arrival time). * We had a party of 16 - 20 people; they divided the table with server. Basically we had 3 servers for our large party, which means everyone didn't get their food at the same time. Some people were enjoying their food while other sat and watched. * The young lady that handled the section I was sitting was a little slow and didn't really know what was going on. I ordered an Arnold Palmer and my uncle wanted half lemonade & half Sprite, the young lady mixed our drinks up. She gave me my uncle's drink and gave my uncle my drink.....Do you not know the difference in appearance of the two drinks? * Now it's time to order. I was asking about their gumbo, I don't like okra; she had to run back to the kitchen and ask. In other restaurants servers know the answers to basic question like this; I'm sure this is not the first time this question has been asked! * One of the ladies at the table suggested I try the chicken & sausage gumbo because it didn't have okra, this lady doesn't like okra either. So I ordered a bowl of the chicken & sausage gumbo and my server responded with "We don't have any". So I then asked why is it on the menu, she then responded with "we are changing our menus for the summer, so some things you see are not available". To my surprise I have a lady to my right and to my left both eating chicken & sausage gumbo! Now I'm annoyed so I ask the young lady why would she tell me that they didn't have any gumbo her response to me was "I thought you said turkey".....REALLY?! Chicken and turkey do not sound anything alike....ugh! * Since I was told they didn't have any chicken and sausage gumbo I ordered the Caribbean chicken (white meat only). My server responded with "its legs & thighs", really you don't know what white meat is? So I told her I only eat white meat, she had to ask if I could order my chicken this way. OMG, you don't know if you can serve a chicken dish with certain parts? * Ok, now that I've ordered my food and can't wait to try it because everyone appears to be enjoying their food. My meal came with a salad that had WAY too much dressing, it was discussing! So time has passed and my food comes and to my surprise it's dark meat......OMG, Really?! * Now I ask for the manager. Per my server "he can't come and speak with me because he's back in the kitchen cooking".....AWE, HELL!!! * Because I'm unhappy with my food of course they had to make my chicken over. By the time I receive my correct dish order the way I specified it's now 9:30 pm! Yes, 9:30 pm! I've been in this restaurant for over 2 hours with nothing to eat! * My server never came back and asked me if I like another Arnold Palmer. At this point I was so discussed I wanted to scream! Overall the service is Horrible, the food is just ok and it's a little over priced for the area! Bottom line is don't waste your time! I didn't want to give them any stars but Yelp made me give them at least one. read more

I can't tell you how the food was because no one would take our order! An hour later someone came to wait on us only to inform us the kitchen was closed although we sat there waiting to order and asked several waiters. It took us a forty minutes to get drinks. The owner was there and we informed him of our issue and he dismissed our complaints about the service and walked away and said it was nothing he could do. The one star is for the space and the the location, nice dining area and patio. Good luck if you choose to dine here! read more

Had a nice time here. They were partying on one side & we were eating on the other side. The chicken gumbo was delish. I'll be back for more. read more

Fantastic place!! Great food, great atmosphere and great people. This is my type of neighborhood bar, my cheers!!

Normans Bistro is a gem in Bronzeville! I love the fact that I can go there by myself or with a group of of friends and still feel comfortable in each setting. The food is great! It is a place where you can get comfort food and it has a upscale twist on soul food classics. This is definitely a place to try out. read more

My service was great! However, the food lacked flavor and the dinner rolls were not good at all. I had the citrus tilapia and it was very bland and dry. I also tried the Caribbean yams and they were tasty. The cole slaw was very good also. Even though I only gave three stars I still think I will return and try something different off the menu. read more

Such an amazing place! The food was delicious. If you go you must try the corn pudding. The Sangria will send you to your happy place. The Cranberry bread pudding is to die for!! The back bar area is filled with regulars who embraced us with open arms as we danced to great r & b dance music. Norman dragged me out to the dance floor and danced a few songs with me. Can't wait to go back!! read more

My first experience was here absolutely one for the books, and it will definitely not be my last. On top of the amazing customer service, the quality of the food I had during my visit was divine. I even had the pleasure of meeting the owner himself, and he made the experience all the more fantastic. With his kind, cheery, and playful demeanor, I didn't feel as though I was at a restaurant, I felt like I was at home with an old friend. The fact that there is little to no knowledge about such a fantastic establishment is what's truly appalling. read more

I try hard not to complain about Black owned businesses or small businesses but this is the SECOND time coming here and running into issues. They have a "full bar" but don't have what is needed for the drinks I ordered for the second time. I was ignored the first time because it was a big party and I was alone. They never followed up with me. This time, I brought back a big party for my birthday and the atmosphere is so uneventful and lacking!! There was music and the staff was very upbeat with the big party. This time I came, no music, I attentive staff, and just blah. I even spoke with the owner who seems irritated that I had questions/complaints. The alcoholic beverages are super watered down and my party had a drink with a few bugs in it. ! Something was spilled and I had to clean it up myself! Someone that said they worked here asked if I was okay. When I said no, she stood and looked at me and then showed me where she would be if I needed anything without acknowledging my issue. No one addresses the issues in this place. They ask, nod, and ignore. I'm over trying to give another chance! I won't be back. I have it a second chance and it was just as bad. The only good thing is the food! At least that was good! read more

WOW! The food here is amazing! I'm kind of bummed that I've only learned about it recently, but then again, it's better than late than never. I dined at Norman's this past weekend and I really enjoyed myself. The food was delicious (I had the Seafood Chili) and the drinks were strong and flavorful. I had two! At first, I was put off by the menu prices because I've gone to some restaurants and been completely underwhelmed by the seasonings and taste of the food, despite the expensive ingredients. I can truly say that Norman's menu is worth the prices. The food is filling, tasty, and prepared very well. The only issue our group experienced was the slow wait staff. Speed of service is definitely not an important factor at Norman's. Other than that, I honestly cannot complain. Norman even stopped by our table and invited us to come back for their holiday celebration. I plan to definitely be in attendance! read more

Norman's Bistro - Norman's holiday decorations! - Brazilian Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

Really nice ambiance and good food... But the SLOWEST SERVICE EVER :( It's enough to make me not come back to eat. Only bar nights, and bring cash... read more

I have been to Norman's several times in the evening and the food was good, but the service is poor. To make matters worst I went with some friends from out of town for Lunch figuring that the service may be better....NOT, actually was worst. The hostess greeted us then told us too find a seat instead of walking us to the table. The we all asked for the soup of the day... she said that there was NO soup of the day.. when she could have simply made any soup they had available "soup of the day".. we ordered 2 other items which they also didn't have. The 4 of us ordered and she didn't write anyone order down... she had a bad attitude as well...food came and again was good.. but because of the repeated poor service, I question if i'd be going back there to dine in...service definitely needs improvement. read more

I've been trying to get t this place for well over a year and finally made it. I went with a date on a Saturday night and I ordered a Steak w/ beans and rice. My date ordered the Salmon with beans and rice. We also had a couple of sides wine, a couple of beers and dessert. Our tab came to $90.00. Worth every last cent of it! The menu had an awesome list of delicious choices. We both had several dishes to decide from and that's is always a good thing as oppose to choosing from a short menu. On this night there was no live music but nice house music playing in the back ground. Real Chicago House music (for what it's worth). The music wasn't loud at all but just perfect enough to feel the beat and to have a nice conversation while talking at normal voice level. The restaurant was about 75% filled and we had no wait. When the waiter brought us our food. My date hit a pitch that I never heard before? She was in awe of how good the food was. I dug in and have to concur. The food was tasteful and prepared just right. Came out to us in approximately 15 minutes. The steak was a little tough but that didn't stop me. It was seasoned well! The atmosphere at Norman's was so comfortable and I easily felt like I'd been there many times. The staff was super friendly, professional, knowledgeable and our waiter (I forget his name) gave us THE BEST service I may have EVER received ANYWHERE!! This place is a five star establishment and I'm so happy for their success. The first thing I thought was, I hope they expand into the Loop and the West Side. I also hope other African American restaurant owners visit Norman's for a model of how to operate a restaurant. And I hope Norman reaches out to other Restaurant's breaking into the business. Because we need about 100 more Norman's Bistro's in Chicago to make this a great restaurant town for African American people. I gladly gave my hard earned money to Norman's last night. It felt rewarding to hear my date rave about the food and service all night. And we'll both be back to try other offerings on the menu. Keep up the great work Norman's Bistro and DO NOT BECOME RELAXED!! Great restaurant!! read more

I went to the Sunday buffet... Pretty good food.. however the service sucked.... Entirely too long for a waiter to come to our table..plus the bench inside our booth was broken... Hopefully the wait staff will improve.. read more

I just had brunch here and it was WONDERFUL. I ordered the Caribbean lamb with veggies and a side of sautéed spinach, with a martini. All of the flavors matched well together. I hate I did not get a picture (I was so hungry). The meal came with Coke slaw, a garden salad, four lamb chops and a side. More than enough food to have left overs. There was just the right amount is kick (spice). The atmosphere was calm and relaxing (but hey it was noon on a Friday). I will be back to this gem on the south side. I was very impressed as a first time visiter. Oh did I mention the serve cocktails. read more

It was nice spot. I didn't know it had the back bar area. I've passed this place multiple times and on this day decided to stop in for lunch. I had the liver plate with sweet potatoes and the cole slaw it came with a nice surprise as well! The coleslaw had a welcomed sweetness. I thought the sweet potatoes were creamy and cooked to perfection. Being greedy, I also ordered the red beans and rice that I thought had a wonderful flavor to them. It was something about those red beans and rice that will definitely make me return! My fiancé had the gumbo which was great as well. Thanks Norman! read more

Like others - I'm super thrilled that we have a nice sit down spot on the south side that doesn't include chicken & waffles. My excitement is tempered with the fact that the food isn't comparable to the decor, attentive staff and ambiance. I hope they get the food together ... because I'm dying to give it FIVE stars. We had the chicken mini bleu burgers and asian chicken wings ... ho hum ... margarita was good; dinner rolls ok ... Support our local businesses and don't be afraid to tell them where they can improve ... read more

I was excited to try this restaurant after seeing it on Check Please! Went for a late lunch on Sunday with 3 others and sadly, we were all very disappointed in the food and the space. Most of the dishes lacked flavor (Gumbo, Cajun Catfish) or had flavors that did not work well together (Cranberry Salmon). The yams were good but corn muffins were dry and flavorless, coleslaw was watery and overly sweet, and most of the brunch buffet looked unappetizing. Definitely overpriced given the lackluster food and less than classy ambience. read more

I'm sad to have to decrease my rating but I had a terrible experience at Norman's yesterday. It was Sunday almost 2p. My husband and I stopped by the Norman's to watch the Bulls game in their bar area. The bartender was standing behind the bar and the tv was on to the game-- and she told us that the bar was closed and that they were only serving brunch in the dining room. So we stood up and left and went to a bar in Hyde Park that was showing the White Sox, Blackhawks and Bulls games. Norman's in my neighborhood and I really want it to be successful, but I have found the bartender repeatedly unpleasant (she never smiles and welcomes customers) and yesterday she was downright rude. Pluses include-- the decor is lovely and Norman himself is charming and a wonderful host. Unfortunately, I stand with the other reviewers that pan Norman's for customer service. Norman's has no competition in the Kenwood/Bronzeville area. If they could improve their food quality and customer service they would have a corner on the market. Until then I will think twice to return as I have no desire to be voluntarily abused as I was yesterday. read more

Norman's Bistro used to be "The place to be". I guess people are FINALLY tired of piss-poor service. You can get sit there for hours and never get served. I literally sat in the bar for 3 hours with at least 5 empty tables and no one served my table. I sat on the patio on a beautiful evening and only got served WATER. Too many choices in Chicago where you can be served. Norman is sitting on a gold mine but won't hire enough people. read more

I had dinner with a few colleagues after wrapping up a social media campaign for a major beer company in Chicago. The food was delicious and although there was an error with one of our orders, it was graciously replaced and additional food was given for the inconvenience. I plan to bring my friends here for brunch and my dad for one of our dad/daughter dates. read more

A terrific restaurant--eat outside if it's a nice day! Delicious food, excellent service, lovely neighborhood. So glad we decided to try it. Especially recommend the tea, sweet potato pie, Caribbean chicken. read more

We've been there several times. It's a little dark and sometimes it looks like it's closed. The food has been consistenly good. We enjoyed the gumbo and red velvet cake was better than I've ever had. Service was slow at times, but we were never in a hurry and the staff is friendly. read more

Yesterday my sister & I went to Normans and I'm glad we did. Great atmosphere! Their was a live band and the service was superior. This is my new hot spot. read more

My sister and I had an early dinner at Norman's Bistro. The food was great. I had the salmon cakes, corn pudding and greens. We also shared an appetizer of the asian wings. The wings were by far my favorite. I could've used a few more wings (maybe my sister and I shouldn't have split them), but there was more than enough food in my entree to compensate. Our waiter was amazing! She even suggested that we try the Sunday brunch which includes a variety of foods and live jazz band. I suggest you check it out. read more

I live just 3 blocks away from Norman's and was really excited at the prospect of having something besides Chinese take-out and fried chicken joints in the neighborhood. I went on a Monday night with a neighbor, who was equally stoked about it. However, I have to give just 3 stars because almost half the items listed on the menu weren't available the night we went. What we got was good, but it wasn't what we really wanted. The service was very polite and attentive, if a little slow. The room is also beautifully decorated. It's a very warm inviting place to be. If they can work out the kinks regarding availability of menu items and timing of the service, I'll definitely upgrade to 4 stars. read more

The Sunday brunch was amazing!! All the food was delicious and the staff was very friendly and attentive. The owner arrived and greeted everyone! I was only able to get one plate because all the food was so filling. All for the right price. read more