Dear Margaret
French restaurant · Lakeview ·
French-Canadian comfort food with Chicago sourcing in a cozy space
French-Canadian comfort food with Chicago sourcing in a cozy space
"After a fire forced its closure in early October, the French Canadian restaurant will not be reopening in its current space. Extensive water and smoke damage kept the dining room closed while repairs were planned, and a recent Instagram update says the building has been sold to a redeveloper — but the team says the restaurant will return in a new location." - Jeffy Mai
"Temporarily closed following a fire, this Lakeview restaurant reported no injuries but “water damage and extensive smoke damage throughout the entire restaurant,” and it will remain shut until insurance assessments and repairs are completed; opened in 2021 with French Canadian cuisine rooted in Midwestern ingredients, it earned a Michelin Bib Gourmand the following year, and a GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the restaurant and staff." - Jeffy Mai
"There was a lot that impressed us about Dear Margaret, a French-Canadian restaurant that opened late last year in Lincoln Park. For example, a silky duck liver mousse that’s perfectly paired with sweet orange marmalade. Or a tender braised beef shank (complete with a bone that had perfectly rendered marrow). There was also braised cauliflower with arugula and pearl onions, and Nanaimo bars, which have a graham cracker/coconut/walnut base, and are topped with chocolate, icing, and creme fraiche. They’re not currently open for dine-in service, but thanks to careful carryout packaging (and the great food) it makes a great special occasion-worthy coffee table spread." - adrian kane
"If you’re looking for a leisurely spot where you can commiserate about your former boss, or discuss important topics like Aaron Rodgers’ contract, book a table at Dear Margaret. This charming BYOB French-Canadian restaurant in Lincoln Park has tasty dishes like foie gras terrine with fluffy milk bread, duck breast with lentils, and a friendly team who will leave you alone while you get to the bottom of how Aaron and Shailene met. In other words, it’s exactly the kind of place where you will want to take extra time to finish off that wine you brought." - sam faye, adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru
"The French Canadian restaurant in Lakeview that won Best Hospitality; owner Lacey Irby brought her entire staff to the awards show as a strong show of gratitude, notable given the cost of tickets." - Ashok Selvam
