Chicago French Market

Category:	Market
Address:	131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
Phone:	+1 312-575-0306
Site:	frenchmarketchicago.com
Rating:	4.4
Working:	7AM–7:30PM 7AM–7:30PM 7AM–7:30PM 7AM–7:30PM 7AM–7:30PM 8:30AM–5:30PM Closed

Location

Photos 100

Reviews 8

Sonny Song

Want a taste France, but youre low on the dough? Its OK! Stop packing your suitcases and take the CTA over to the heart of downtown to the French Market. I promise its just like Paris except everyone speaks English - no translator needed! Within the French Market, you can find a large variety of vendors selling almost anything! Some of my favorite places to frequent are: 1) LaVazza Coffee: they have some of the best lattes and cappuccinos in the city IMHO - definitely worth getting on one of these frigid Chicago winter days. 2) Vanille Patisserie: macarons - nuff said. The price can be pricey, but their flavors are very unique, which change daily, but beware, they sell out in a jiffy so you gotta get here early! 3) Frietkoten Belgian Fries: Belgium isnt exactly in France, but its in Europe right? So, you get to hit up two countries at the same time - perfect! Their thick cut Belgian fries are amazingly crisp and come in a huge cone. I would go with the small size - I came with three people and we struggled to finish it. Additionally, the fries come with the standard mayo for dipping, but they offer other dipping sauces as well for additional charge, such as truffle mayo, fire roasted pepper, garlic mayo and more. 4) Beavers Coffee and Donuts: Their donuts are the reason I keep coming back. Wide selection of mini and regular size donuts that run the gamut of being filled, cake donuts, glazed - you name it, they got it. Coffees arent half bad either. 5) Saigon Sisters: great bahn mis, which are Vietnamese stuffed with just about everything and piled up with pickled veggies and fresh herbs - Oh, did I mention were making a pit stop in Vietnam too? These five vendors dont do this place justice. There are other bakeries, grocers, seafood mongers, deli and more! You just have to check it out for yourself. Believe you will thank me when you do. If you want to drive, there is a parking garage located in the middle of the building which can be confusing to find. However, you can only park for 1 hour for free, thats the catch so Id recommend taking public transportation because you cant explore the entire market in an hour!

Kate Linwood

I have friends from the further west suburbs who come into the city from time to time, and we usually stop here as we wait for their train to arrive. Theres something comforting about being able to share a small order of fries with the regular dip of mayo, ketchup and red onions. The rest of the market is like a strange painting. The market is really small, lit coldly, and even when crowdy during lunch, has a really somber feel to it. The workers at some of the vendors will smile your way and say hello, but you can only smile back as you pass by their stalls of average, yet overpriced goods. As I munch on a fry and chat with my friend, I cant help but think over why the artist would add a mediocre taqueria, carnival food, and overripe produce onto the French Market painting. Artist of Chicago French Market, like the pastries here, your work is interesting to look at, but the details and choices you made on your work made it into that painting youll find at garage sales as a decorative piece no one buys.

Lu Yao

French Market is a bit of a let-down in a city of culinary wonders. There are numerous vendors here, but they are mostly mediocre (check out the food section for more details). Service: Most of the vendors are slow when there are long lines, especially at Flip Crepes (if there are 3+ people in front of you in line, dont bother). Ambience: Its a convenient, clean market with vendors and a grocery area. There is even a sitting area in the back of the market, but beware of the overly loud, crappy singer/guitar player who could use some lessons. Food: Basically, there are only a couple places you should go to and many to stay away from. To stay away from: Flip Crepes - very mediocre crepes that take a LONG time to make RAW - very dense, flavorless and super oily Vanilles macarons - just difficult to eat. To go to (But honestly, you get better service and cuisine at their actual restaurants): Pastoral Fumare Meats Loop Juice Little Goat Bread Da Lobsta Saigon Sisters

Stuart Conover

If you are looking for a variety of dining choices for breakfast through dinner, the French Market is the place for you! If you are looking for a tasty treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, the French Market is the place for you! If you are looking for fresh produce and meat, the French Market is the place for you! Honestly Ive spent too much money over the past year at the restaurants within as my office has moved to the area. The food options are always tasty, the staff of each of the shops are always friendly. Its just a good experience when even with the spots are busy its never too long of a wait. The perfect area to grab a bite to eat if you are in the west loop!

Matthew Stanesby

I am originally from Europe (UK), but have spent a lot of time on European mainland, and more specifically in France. This place has to be one of the most authentic French establishments that I have been to in the US, even down the the intricacies such as the street names, which resemble genuine street names in France. Aside to the above, the selection of food is truly magnificent; great selection of breads and cheeses, accompanied by great French wines. If your are a romanticist, like me....there is a great flower stand, should you care to treat a loved one. Would recommend to anyone who can apprecaite this kind of setting and culture.

Heather Payne

In theory, fantastic just not positive its what I had envisioned. I was there extremely early one morning and not all of the shops were open yet so I do feel like I have to give it another shot. I went specifically for these specialty doughnuts I had read about online. I ordered two dozen to bring into the office. Foolishly, I didnt ask ahead of time how much and almost fell over when I went to pay and they said $75. FOR DOUGHNUTS!?!?! They were not $75 good, but the overall look and layout and variety of vendors was very reminiscent of my time in Paris. I definitely want to go back and update this review after Ive had a full experience.

Joseph Blewitt

Previously, I had been walking past this place for over a year with a vague intention of going inside. French Market? I figured there was a solid selection of bread, cheese, wine, and little else. Wow, I was mistaken in a major way. Theres so much FOOD here, its astounding. And the variety goes way beyond just French. Maybe they should change the name to "Chicago French Market & Market of All French Territories Past and Present." They have food to buy and take home, food to bring back to your desk, and food to devour on the spot in their spacious seating area. The wifi is busted, but thats ok, youre too busy eating.

Sabina Kajtezovic

With over 30 vendors from choose from, Chicago French Market is good for shopping for special ingredients, fresh farmers produce, meat, fish, as well as a single stop with multiple dining options. My heart desires that anything called French be reflective of French design, so Im knocking off one point because it doesnt look French. :) Peanut butter and apricot crepes are fantastic. Grab french fries with several different dipping sauces and sample them with some of the Belgian beers from Frietkoten, thats probably the most popular attraction for food. Pastoral pate sandwiches are really good too.