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Tru: Restaurant Reviews


TripAdvisor Traveler Rating:
  • A summary score based on quality, quantity and age of traveler ratings.
5 of 5 stars 164 ratings
164 ratings
5.0 of 5 stars
95
4.0 of 5 stars
40
3.0 of 5 stars
14
2.0 of 5 stars
8
1.0 of 5 stars
7
TripAdvisor Popularity Index:
  • Measures overall traveler satisfaction based on ratings, reviews and other sources.
#19 of 4,512 restaurants in Chicago
Show Restaurant DetailsHide Restaurant Details
  • Cuisines: American, Belgian, European, French, Eclectic
  • Average price*: $ 90
  • Neighborhood: The Loop
  • Special features: Romantic, Business, Child-friendly

Reviews you can trust

[ Date ] [ Rating ]
Tried and Tru

Tru

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5 of 5 stars
norcalifnative   1 contribution
San Francisco Bay Area
Sep 11, 2006
4/4 found this review helpful

We visited Chicago's Tru restaurant in June 2006 as part of a family vacation. We are a little jaded with respect to restaurants, being from the SF Bay Area. I was a bit worried that my son and husband would balk at wearing a jacket on what was supposed to be a casual, relaxing summer trip. But, this was a special occasion restaurant for my husband, myself and our two teenage kids, who appreciate good food, and they packed accordingly. (We had booked ahead online).
We were absolutely blown away by the service and quality of the food. Though we dine out regularly at good (mostly smaller chef-owned) restaurants, a fancy, quiet restaurant wihere there are few children could have been intimidating. The staff at Tru made us very comfortable from the beginning. We couldn't decide between the three or the five course meal, but were more than satisfied with the three course, which actually turned into nearly twelve courses including all the extra bread, dessert and amuse bouche offerings. I picked this place because I enjoy watching Gale Gand, one of the owners, on the Food Network channel.
The mini-root beer floats and cookie and chocolate "courses" AFTER dessert were just amazing. They even gave our kids four bottles of private label root beer to take home. Being a "foodie" and accomplished home cook myself, I was very excited and honored to be asked if we wanted to see the kitchen as we were leaving.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Breathtaking

Tru

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5 of 5 stars
Ascenseur   23 contributions
Washington DC, District of Columbia
Nov 28, 2005
9/9 found this review helpful

Tru is an experience. From the moment you step inside, you are treated to nothing less than a spectacle. The cuisine and over-the-top service border outrageous in their whimsical presentation. And believe me, this restaurant is a BARGAIN. I truly believe that word can be used and I am hardly of endless wealth. But for a 7+ course, 4 hour symphony of cuisine which included asparagus soup with blood oranges, roasted lamb chop with fois gros and the famous caviar staircase, I think $100 is positively cheap. Try Tru if you're looking for an indulgent experience you'll never forget.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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It doesn't get any better...

Tru

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5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
Chicago
Nov 8, 2005
1/2 found this review helpful

We live in Chicago and we believe Tru is the pinnacle of Chicago dining. Last week we had an excellent dinner at The French Laundry (Napa Valley) which is widely regarded as the best restaurant in the United States. We are happy to report that Tru is even better, and Gale Gand (pastry chef) is the best in the world. If you're a foodie at all, don't deny yourself a dinner at Tru...

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Spectacular, Spectacular!

Tru

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5 of 5 stars
A TripAdvisor Member
chicago
Apr 6, 2005
8/8 found this review helpful

An experience never to be forgotten! Tru is absolutely amazing. The food was great, service was oustanding, wine selections were excellent, and the art collection is truly unique. They have the whole package.

The menu can look a bit overwhelming at first. Its two pages, one side is prix-fixe style dinner, the other is a 'collections' page. The collections are more courses with smaller portions; prix-fixe is the standard courses. Our server recommended we both pick from the same side, as the Collections take significantly longer than the regular courses.

Once you've decided that, you can decide from 3 collections, or if you're going prix-fixe there are a few choices there as well. Once you've decided, there's nothing to do but take it all in. With every course comes a new delightful experience.

When you leave, you'll be handed a menu they print for you that shows everything you had.

As far as people reporting that Tru is overpriced, the prices really are quite reasonable. You can eat an entire meal for $80 (excluding tips, drink, tax). I've easily spent half of that on very mediocre meals from chain restaraunts, and am more than satisfied paying more for awesome food and service.

Want to make your evening a little more special? Make your reservation in the more private upstairs dining room, where you can dine with only 3 other tables.

My best advice is to not rush.... Make sure to pace yourself so you can take everything in to the maximum.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Only in a City

Tru

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1 of 5 stars
Tommmmmmmm   14 contributions
Mequon, Wisconsin
Oct 14, 2004
5/38 found this review helpful

A Chicago native, I sometimes think I am missing something by having moved to Milwaukee.
My friend used to justify the existence of cities by saying, "We need cities to perpetuate the myth of mental illness."
I never quite understood that remark until we dined at Tru.

1) Wait staff are very nice, friendly and professional.
2) Ambiance is not unlike a high school gymnasium before it is decorated for the prom.
3) Food? Where the heck is the salt shaker?
4) If you cannot afford nice plates and silverware, maybe you shouldn't use so damn many, and save on your water bills.

Now I understand. Crazy behavior is considered "mental illness". In a city, you can get away with it.

Tru recalls the story, "The Emperor has no Clothes".

Sorry, call me old-fashioned. I like elegance and flavor. Not weird.

This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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Tru Address

676 N St Clair St, Chicago, IL 60611 Tel: (312) 202-0001
* Restaurant price information is based on meal cost per person, excluding drinks, tax and tip.