Situated in the vibrant heart of Chicago, Bar La Rue offers a refreshing take on the classic French bistro experience, fused with a contemporary Chicagoan flair. The menu reflects a dedication to quality ingredients, bold flavors, and a diverse range of dishes designed to please both adventurous food lovers and those seeking comforting, familiar bites.
Whether you’re stopping by for a leisurely brunch, a lively dinner, or simply a craft cocktail, Bar La Rue’s offerings promise an unforgettable culinary journey. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, perfectly complementing the menu’s balance of rustic charm and modern sophistication.
Every item on the menu has been thoughtfully curated to showcase the restaurant’s commitment to freshness and creativity. You’ll find a mix of traditional French dishes reinterpreted with local ingredients alongside seasonal specials that highlight the best Chicago has to offer.
This blend results in a menu that is both timeless and ever-evolving, ensuring a new experience with each visit. The vibrant cocktails and carefully selected wines further enrich the dining experience, making Bar La Rue a must-visit destination for food enthusiasts across the city.
Appetizers and Small Plates
The appetizer menu at Bar La Rue is designed to stimulate the palate and set the tone for the meal ahead. Featuring an array of small plates, these starters blend classic French techniques with modern Chicago influences.
They are perfect for sharing or enjoying as a light beginning to your dining experience.
Highlights include the Duck Rillettes, a rich and savory spread served with toasted baguette slices that bring a smoky depth to the palate. The Escargots à la Bourguignonne are prepared traditionally with garlic herb butter, offering a luxurious and aromatic bite.
For those looking for something lighter, the Beet and Goat Cheese Salad combines earthy beets with creamy cheese and crunchy walnuts, balanced by a bright vinaigrette.
Each dish is crafted with attention to detail, using locally sourced ingredients where possible to ensure freshness. The portions are generous enough to satisfy, yet thoughtfully sized to allow diners to explore multiple dishes without feeling overwhelmed.
- Duck Rillettes: Slow-cooked duck, savory and tender
- Escargots à la Bourguignonne: Classic garlic and herb preparation
- Beet and Goat Cheese Salad: Earthy, creamy, and crisp textures
- Charcuterie Board: A selection of cured meats and artisanal cheeses
“Our appetizers are crafted to be both a reflection of French tradition and a nod to Chicago’s rich culinary landscape, offering a perfect start to any meal at Bar La Rue.” – Executive Chef
Entrees and Main Courses
The main courses at Bar La Rue showcase the restaurant’s skill in balancing classic French cuisine with local, seasonal ingredients. They range from hearty comfort foods to elegant plates, all designed to highlight the depth of flavor and expert technique.
Signature dishes such as the Coq au Vin embody the essence of French cooking, featuring tender chicken braised in red wine with mushrooms and pearl onions. The Seared Duck Breast is paired with a cherry reduction, creating a perfect harmony of sweet and savory notes.
For seafood lovers, the Pan-Seared Arctic Char offers a delicate yet flavorful option, served alongside seasonal vegetables and a light beurre blanc sauce.
Vegetarian options are thoughtfully included, ensuring all guests enjoy a satisfying meal. The Ratatouille Tart features roasted vegetables layered on a flaky pastry, garnished with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil.
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairing |
| Coq au Vin | Chicken, red wine, mushrooms, pearl onions | Rich, savory, earthy | Pinot Noir |
| Seared Duck Breast | Duck breast, cherry reduction | Sweet, tangy, robust | Merlot |
| Pan-Seared Arctic Char | Arctic char, seasonal vegetables, beurre blanc | Delicate, buttery, fresh | Chardonnay |
| Ratatouille Tart | Roasted vegetables, puff pastry, herbs | Earthy, herbaceous, flaky | Sauvignon Blanc |
Brunch Offerings
Bar La Rue’s brunch menu is a weekend favorite, combining traditional French breakfast items with a Chicago twist. It’s designed to cater to a variety of tastes, from sweet to savory, light to indulgent.
The brunch atmosphere is relaxed yet elegant, making it an ideal spot for social gatherings or a leisurely start to the day.
Popular dishes include the Croque Madame, a classic French sandwich featuring ham, Gruyère cheese, and a perfectly fried egg atop toasted brioche. The Quiche Lorraine is rich with smoky bacon, creamy custard, and a buttery crust.
For those seeking something sweeter, the French Toast with Berries is soaked in vanilla custard and topped with seasonal fruit and maple syrup.
The drink menu complements the food beautifully, offering a range of coffee beverages, fresh juices, and classic brunch cocktails like the French 75 and Mimosa. Each dish is prepared with fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure a satisfying and memorable brunch experience.
- Croque Madame: Ham, Gruyère, béchamel, fried egg
- Quiche Lorraine: Bacon, cheese, custard filling
- French Toast with Berries: Vanilla custard soak, fresh fruit
- Avocado Toast: Sourdough bread, smashed avocado, microgreens
“Our brunch captures the essence of Parisian mornings with a touch of Chicago’s vibrant food culture, making each bite a celebration of flavor and comfort.” – Bar La Rue Brunch Manager
Cocktails and Beverage Selection
The cocktail menu at Bar La Rue is a carefully curated collection of classic favorites and innovative creations. Each drink is crafted with precision, using fresh ingredients and premium spirits to enhance the flavors of the menu.
The bar team takes pride in balancing tradition with creativity, offering something for every palate.
Signature cocktails include the Rue Manhattan, a twist on the classic Manhattan with a hint of orange bitters and cherry liqueur. The Lavender Gin Fizz offers a refreshing floral note balanced with citrus and bubbles.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic options, the menu features beautifully crafted mocktails, such as the Rose Lemonade, which blends rose water with fresh lemon and sparkling water.
Bar La Rue also boasts an impressive wine list, emphasizing French varietals alongside notable selections from California and the Pacific Northwest. The knowledgeable staff can recommend ideal pairings to complement your meal, ensuring a harmonious dining experience from start to finish.
| Cocktail | Main Ingredients | Taste Profile | Best Paired With |
| Rue Manhattan | Bourbon, orange bitters, cherry liqueur | Bold, slightly sweet, aromatic | Duck Rillettes |
| Lavender Gin Fizz | Gin, lavender syrup, lemon, soda | Floral, crisp, effervescent | Beet and Goat Cheese Salad |
| Rose Lemonade (Mocktail) | Rose water, lemon juice, sparkling water | Light, floral, refreshing | French Toast with Berries |
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Bar La Rue’s dessert menu offers a delightful conclusion to any meal, blending traditional French patisserie with creative twists. Each dessert is crafted to balance sweetness with texture, offering a satisfying end to the dining experience.
The Crème Brûlée is a standout, featuring a perfectly caramelized sugar crust over a creamy vanilla custard. The Chocolate Mousse is rich and velvety, made with high-quality dark chocolate that melts in the mouth.
For a lighter option, the Seasonal Fruit Tart showcases fresh local fruits atop a delicate pastry shell with a subtle almond cream base.
Pastry chefs emphasize the use of seasonal ingredients, ensuring the dessert menu evolves with the year. The presentation of each sweet treat is elegant and refined, reflecting the overall sophistication of the restaurant.
- Crème Brûlée: Classic vanilla custard, caramelized sugar top
- Chocolate Mousse: Dark chocolate, airy texture
- Seasonal Fruit Tart: Fresh fruits, almond cream, buttery crust
- Lemon Madeleines: Petite French cakes with citrus zest
“Dessert at Bar La Rue is not just a finish, but a celebration of flavors and textures crafted to linger pleasantly on the palate.” – Pastry Chef
Kids’ Menu
Understanding the diverse needs of its clientele, Bar La Rue offers a thoughtfully designed kids’ menu that caters to younger guests with nutritious and appealing options. The menu balances simplicity with flavor, encouraging children to enjoy classic dishes made with fresh ingredients.
Items include the Mini Croque Monsieur, a kid-friendly version of the classic sandwich with ham and melted cheese. The Chicken Tenders are hand-breaded and baked, served with a side of fresh vegetables or fries.
For a lighter choice, the Macaroni and Cheese features a creamy cheese sauce made from scratch.
The restaurant prioritizes accommodating dietary restrictions and allergies, with clear labeling and staff trained to assist families. The kids’ beverage options include fresh juices, milk, and non-caffeinated herbal teas.
- Mini Croque Monsieur: Ham, cheese, toasted bread
- Chicken Tenders: Baked, served with veggies or fries
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, homemade cheese sauce
- Fresh Fruit Cup: Seasonal selection
“We strive to make dining enjoyable for all ages, ensuring children have delicious options that are both wholesome and fun.” – Family Services Coordinator
Seasonal and Special Menus
Bar La Rue embraces the changing seasons by introducing special menus that highlight the freshest ingredients available and celebrate local culinary traditions. These menus offer diners unique dishes and experiences that evolve throughout the year.
In spring and summer, the focus is on light, vibrant flavors featuring fresh herbs, vegetables, and seafood. The fall and winter menus emphasize heartier fare, incorporating root vegetables, game meats, and warming spices.
These seasonal offerings are crafted to complement the core menu while providing variety and excitement.
Special tasting menus are also available during holidays or special events, offering multi-course meals paired with wines selected by the sommelier. These curated experiences have become popular for celebrations and provide insight into the chef’s creativity and vision.
| Season | Featured Ingredients | Sample Dish | Menu Style |
| Spring | Asparagus, ramps, fresh herbs | Asparagus and Morel Mushroom Risotto | Light, fresh, herbaceous |
| Summer | Tomatoes, zucchini, stone fruits | Grilled Peach and Burrata Salad | Bright, juicy, refreshing |
| Fall | Root vegetables, game meats, squash | Venison Stew with Roasted Root Vegetables | Rich, hearty, warming |
| Winter | Brussels sprouts, citrus, spices | Citrus-Glazed Duck with Braised Brussels Sprouts | Cozy, robust, spiced |
“Seasonal menus allow us to connect with the rhythms of nature and the local community, delivering dishes that are as fresh as they are inspired.” – Chef de Cuisine
Conclusion
Bar La Rue in Chicago stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, bringing together the best of French tradition and local innovation. Its menu is a carefully constructed tapestry of flavors, textures, and seasonal inspirations that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences.
From expertly crafted appetizers to indulgent desserts, every dish reflects a dedication to quality and passion for food.
The restaurant’s commitment to sourcing fresh ingredients, embracing seasonality, and offering thoughtful pairings ensures that diners receive a consistent and memorable experience. The diverse beverage selection, including both inventive cocktails and a curated wine list, further enhances the overall enjoyment.
Whether you are joining for brunch, dinner, or a casual drink, Bar La Rue’s menu promises sophistication without pretense, inviting guests to savor each moment.
For those seeking an authentic taste of French bistro fare with a modern Chicago twist, Bar La Rue delivers with elegance and warmth. It is a destination where tradition meets creativity, and every visit offers a new opportunity to explore the rich culinary landscape of this vibrant city.
