Tried them out yesterday's dinner, for the "6th Annual Fox 6 Days of Dining", which is running from October 23-28, 2014. The specials offered a three course dinner meal for $25.00 each. (VALUED AT $30.00) My husband and I dined, we each ordered different things as to try many items. The house salad and cream of broccoli soup where very good. The dijon dressing has a little bit of horseradish in it, that added that extra dash of taste. The offerings for the specials were proportionate and very tasty. I ordered the roast beef crepe. Normally, you receive two, but with the special you receive one and mashed potatoes as a side. My husband ordered the Coq au vin. Which is a roasted chicken in sauce with bow pasta. He said that the sauce was very salty. Chicken was cooked and seasoned will. Bow tie pasta was al dente. For Dessert there was only two choices. Chocolate Mousse and Sherbet. The chocolate was dreamy. But my husband was unable to determine what was the sherbet. It was deep red, he said, sour and unable to tell me what flavor it was. The server was not around, so we could not ask.
(4)
Brian H.
Good food. Had a croissant app for brunch. It was delicious, flakey and came with a side of butter & jam. I had a creeps (vanilla with berries) they were also delicious and filling! The coffee was fresh and was refilled often.
(4)
Katie F.
Food was rich but lacking anything special, service was fast and friendly, a good spot for a quick lunch
(3)
Tala O.
I hadn't been to Jacques since they moved from their old location on 2nd street and I have to admit that the food is not as good as I remembered it. I ordered the chicken curry crepe, a menu item I distinctly remember liking, and was very disappointed. The chicken inside the crepe was not stewed in the sauce at all; instead the sauce was poured over the crepe at the end, making the chicken very dry and flavorless. The flavors of the sauce were also very flat and the texture was very oily and brothy; it could have definitely benefited from some more spicing and some coconut milk. Additionally, the portions are way too big at Chez Jacques, which seems inconsistent with what you'd expect from French cuisine. While appropriately priced at $10-$15, each plate comes with two massively large crepes. When my boyfriend and I saw the size we had to cancel our dessert order. I would have much preferred the option of ordering one crepe at $5-$7 so that I could mix and match. That being said, the atmosphere was really lovely for brunch, the mimosas were delicious, and my boyfriend's meal of Spinach and Rocquefort crepes and croissant was really good. This is definitely a Milwaukee institution that needs to stick around, though I'm hoping they'll make a few changes to the menu.
(3)
Kiara H.
Always passed this place and wanted to stop by but because of City Tins I finally did with my husband for brunch. A little weird when we came in because no one came to greet us for a while but I'm glad we waited a bit because It was yummy! I got the Crab Benedict and we were already eyeing the rest of the menu. Definitely want to come back for Dinner!
(4)
Lisa E.
I have heard really good things about this place but overall I'm disappointed. I love French food and I had really high expectations for this place. I'm mostly disappointed with the meals my boyfriend and I ordered. I ordered trout stuffed with crabmeat that was topped with a mustard cream sauce. The sauce overpowered the fish and crabmeat. I could only taste mustard. My boyfriend ordered the chicken with wine sauce. The chicken or maybe it was the sauce had a weird taste to it. The taste was between rubber and Chinese cashew chicken....this is the best I could describe it. Maybe it was left in the freezer for too long? Now let me talk about the good parts of my experience. The server was attentive and brought us everything in a timely manner. I liked he wasn't eager to take away our bread basket. I love bread and typically this is the first things server's swipe. We also ordered the mussels which were awesome. The white wine cream sauce was to die for. I'm going to try this place again because I believe they can do better and I've heard good things about this place.
(2)
Ellie M.
Since I first ate at Chez Jacques a few years ago with a friend, I've been telling my husband we needed to stop in. My first meal there was tasty, the atmosphere was fun and the staff was inviting and helpful. This time, quite the opposite. This may be the closest thing Milwaukee has to authentic French food as their ads say, but don't be fooled. This is not how French food should taste. It was a hot day, so my husband and I decided to order four small plates instead of entrees. The waiter said that we'd ordered some of the best dishes on the menu... Promising! And the bread that he brought was perfect. When they arrived, each dish looked un-appetizing at the very least. The escargot was cooked very well, but the puff pastry was somehow dry even though it was sitting in a lake of butter. We also ordered the mussels at the same time. They came out swimming in cream (the menu says it's a white wine sauce -- definitely more like 2 cups of cream and a splash of wine with zero flavor). They were tiny, stringy, gritty and a few were even rancid. We couldn't even get at half of them because the shells weren't open. I regret that we didn't pipe up, but we were hoping for two better dishes to follow. I've had bad mussels at good restaurants before. The second "course": charcuterie and roasted veggie salad, both more disappointing than the first two. The horribly overpriced charcuterie (it's mostly bread and lettuce) had clearly been plated hours ago. The prosciutto and pate were both dry, and the bread and toast were stale. The roasted veggie salad was slimy, so it had probably been made much earlier as well. When our server asked how things were, my husband admitted we weren't happy with the food, and instead of asking us how he could fix things, he scurried off to bring our bill. We did speak with a kind server on the way out, and let her know that the chef should check the mussels. She was glad for the heads up and wished us a good night. We left hungry. Sorry, but not enough to make us want to return.
(2)
Angela S.
The perch special was good. The other items we ordered were just ok the clam chowder was thin, we are use to this being creamy and thick, the French onion soup have had better. The beef bourgionne lacked the rich flavor, I make better at home from a recipe I found in the Journal from Sanford's restaurant. Loved the chocolate torte cake, the crème brulee was just ok, I like Fresh Markets better and it's half the price.
(3)
Katie K.
Did you know there is a patio out back? I din't. I bike past here everyday and thought this cute little restaurant is on such an unfortunate/busy street. So thank you City Tin 2014 for dragging me in otherwise I would have missed this little gem. Service is fantastic. I feel the the food is fairly priced. Actually , a bit cheaper than some places I have been recently and better. I had the Boeuf Bourguignon. Very rich and filling. I really enjoyed it. Our server paired the wine perfectly for me. I will absolutely be back and write a more detailed review!
(4)
Terry K.
Awesome French restaurant. I had awesome moules when I visited France. Chez Jacques had exact same taste moules. Loved pork chap and sorbet.
(5)
Shannon C.
Seriously, Chez Jacques makes their balsamic vinaigrette from scratch, and it is the best I have ever had. SO GOOD. I ordered the house salad and wasn't really feeling the mustardy dressing that accompanied it. Our server -- a blonde guy who was extremely nice, by the way -- brought me the vinaigrette and seriously, it was heaven. H E A V E N. Their $7 glass of pinot noir is a really good deal. My husband had the Croque Monsieur and said it was better than any he's had in Milwaukee -- even Le Rêve's, his old standby. They had an asparagus soup the day we went in, and it was delicious. So full of flavor for a creamy soup. Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Victor T.
Wonderful atmosphere - the garden out back is fantastic!! Super authentic French cuisine. Jacques is a sweetheart! We'll be back!
(4)
Tony F.
This is what I want when I want French. An intimate, relaxed atmosphere with nice decor, painted to look like the crumbling plaster walls of some Parisian back street. Service and food were both top notch. We ordered as much as we could handle, and then dessert! Everything was impeccable, we tried each other's dishes, and had a sweet, romantic dinner together. I will recommend this as Milwaukee's French benchmark.
We've all had those days when we just feel like we need to get away. But schedules and commitments and budgets and such don't always allow us to go as far as we'd like. May I suggest a trip to Walker's Point and the long standing classic French eatery, Chez Jacques. Like many European dwellings, the looks from the outside can be a bit deceiving. And when you step into the doors you immediately feel the influence of France. The low ceilings, the terrazzo floor, and the general aesthetic will transport you. Go with it and enjoy. If It weather allows, choose seats on the patio. You will quickly lose any sense of the city that surrounds you. The large oak trees, the precise landscaping and the beautiful paintings truly impress. My pictures do not begin to do justice to this serene and welcoming setting. Since we were there for brunch my guest and I both ordered the classic bloody mary. They taste was solid, but very much tomato based with none of the requisite layers from the trifecta of seasonings; celery salt, horseradish, and worcestershire. What was even more disappointing for me was that when my friend ordered a second bloody is was perfectly prepared and seasoned. Someone there knew how to make a great drink and they didn't have them doing it all the time (sadface). Entrees were much more consistent, and delish. My guest was thrilled with the omelette and the Nicoise Tuna Salad was one of the best I've had. The tuna salad was hearty in portion and flawless in taste. Dots of finely chopped celery and onions along with traditional seasoning balanced the flavor perfectly. The accompanying green beans and potatoes were fresh and perfectly cooked and seasoned. And the nicoise olives provided the little bit of salt that was needed to bring the dish together. Service was excellent; attentive but not overbearing. And the brunch menu has the usual suspects (pancakes, omelettes, crepes and benedicts (6.95 - 11.95) as well as two special dishes, Crab Benedict and Smoked Salmon potato cake, both priced at 13.50. And of much excitement to me, the brunch menu is served until 3pm, seven days a week! So the very next time you're needing a getaway, if only for a few hours, Chez Jacques should be at the top of your list!
So I finally made it to Chez Jacques. And now I'm a little irritated. Because despite the fact that City Tin has been burning a hole in my pocket...I've had yet to make it here! Now it's a bit blustery and Autumn-ish in the 414 so we weren't able to take advantage of what sounds and looks like an awesome tucked away patio. But the whole atmosphere was french provincial-slash-bistro. Warm and inviting and exactly what you'd expect. There's hard wood floors, a few (tasteful and not overdone) pics of the Eiffel tower and a beautiful bar when you walk in. Ordered: I don't know about you but nothing says French restaurant more than Escargot so we started with that. so delicious! Server with a buttery phyllo pastry. We also tried the stuffed mushrooms but I prefer the snails. Other-- French onion soup. Also wonderful. Croque Madame. Sweet Bejeezus. A beautiful buttery sandwich with ham, cheese topped with a fried egg. I couldn't finish the whole thing but it made me want to get some pain, some jambon and fromage, throw it in some beurre and try to create my own version some weekend morning. (Might not be as good but hey, I can try.) I had a sparkling cidre, served (& tasting) a little like champagne. ooh, also best hot chocolate (chocolat? le chocolat? Irrelevant side note: anyone remember chococat? hello kitty's boy cat friend? anyhow, as always, I digress...) ever. I would have never thought the hot chocolate here would have been so awesome! Our service was very attentive. Ooh...and bike parking out front (cuz how else do you get to a fine French restaurant than on your bike??:)
(4)
Chelsie N.
This place was was a solid choice for lunch. Service was pleasant but it took a very long time to get our food. Was there for about an hour and a half. I was with 2 others and 2 of us ordered the french onion soup. It took over a half hour to get the soup BUT it was worth the wait. Not a crispy top like the pictures show but still delicious. We got our sandwiches soon after and they were very good. I got the Croque Monsieur which was great. Pretty large portion. Overall would give it a second shot because the food was yummy.
(3)
Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: plush French restaurant. Four of us came for dinner on a Friday night, and oddly our reservation was not needed as Chez Jacques was empty. It's a cute place, located right on 1st in Walker's Point and with both a dining area and separate bar. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive, and made the whole experience better than it would've been. I got to try a bit of the Onion Soupe Gratinee ($5.50) a friend got, which was rich and extremely cheesy. My entree was the Côtes de Porc "Normandy" ($20.95). This was a thoroughly unremarkable dish. The description (Pork chops with caramelized apple glaze and Calvados (apple brandy). Served with saffron rice.) was on-point, but it just was not anywhere as delicious as it sounds. The cuts of pork were either sub-par or poorly-prepared, The sliced apples on top were fresh, but the glaze was overly-sweet and extremely heavy. I love saffron rice, and theirs was as tasty as any other $1 bag from the store. No additional spice to be found. Hard to judge a place on one poor entree, but this meal at Chez Jacques was below what I expected (and not in the same league as other French restaurants nearby). Service was great, and my Port ($6) was a nice treat, but I won't be frequenting Chez Jacques for dinner.
Wow. Pretty bad. Had been excited to try this spot because it looks so cute from outside. Just being in doorway, holding baby carrier, the host didn't greet me or help with door as I held it for my 2 yr old & mom....and I thought, oh great here we go. Food was so mediocre. Crab Benedict was terrible. Real crab? Don't think so. Moms seafood crepe same thing....gross. Was so disappointed.
(3)
Lawrence B.
I was very impressed by the menu, food taste, the good service, and the lovely interior. I will definitely make this a place to take guests. Milwaukee has a fantastic variety of exotic cuisines to choose from and this restaurant adds to the sparkle.
(4)
Kelly B.
After Rick R.'s recommendation for brunch here, the man and I were finally able to swing in Saturday morning. We pulled up at 10:30 and it was pretty dead. We entered the dark lounge area and were greeted by the owner, Jacques. We opted to sit on the patio and WOW! It was tucked behind the building and full of lush green trees, perfectly manicured flowers and landscaping. The wall of the building was covered in a beautiful mural of France. If it weren't for the loud construction crew right outside, I would have forgotten I was in the city at all. The brunch/drink menu was pretty scarce - mimosa, bloody, coffee. I got a screwdriver and Joe got the bloody. While the garnished were nothing to note (an olive, pickle, lemon, lime and some celery salt) he noted that the mix was pretty flavorful and could taste a nice pour of vodka. I also felt that the vodka was a strong component of my drink, but it didn't taste like gordons - it was an enjoyably strong and well made drink. We had the ham and gruyere crepes and the crab benedict. The crab benedict was plated beautifully and had a ton of food. The crepes were literally two tubes on a plate. I would suggest maybe throwing a little dish of fruit or SOMETHING on the side there? The gruyere and the sauce was delicious, the ham was salty and hot and the crepes were cooked just how I like, crispy on the edges! The crab bene was a TON of crabmeat on top of an english muffin, tons of eggs and topped with an awesome-yet-nameless reddish sauce that was awesome. There were chunked american potatoes on the side that were seasoned lightly with salt and pepper but they were seriously and perfectly al dente. I sampled many bites... Our server, Marco, was attentive and friendly - food came out in a timely manner and we really enjoyed our meal. I will be back to try the supper entrees!
I had never gone to a French restaurant but went here for a b-day celebration. I was expecting something somewhat, I don't know, stuffy, like you see in movies or in Blondie. But it was somewhat casual though very nice- you could dress-up , ie suit jacket, and not feel out of place. It was easy to find. I did not see any lot parking but there was pretty good street parking. The wait staff was very nice, and helpful. The menu was in French and English. WE HAD SNAILS!! They were quite good, somewhat like oysters; prepared with garlic and butter. Besides snails we had stuffed mushrooms, ham sandwich(with fried egg on top), crepes(seafood), and a vegetable sandwich. And soup, French of course, onion soup. The onion soup was good, though I would recommend more soup and less fromage. It was not too salty though. I have had onion soup too salty to eat. We did not partake of wine list. We did have a apple cider, cidre en Francais, and that was good. We were surprised by the good decaf. It was from and local roaster. The server kept our cups full. There was a variety of priced items on the menu. Ala carte, sandwiches, to fixed price meals. I recommend and would return.
(4)
Andrea C.
Is it possible to fall in love with a breakfast dish? Because I think I just did. Jacques Crab Benedictes is amazing!! It is a definite must try. If seafood isn't your style, the omelettes were also delicious - the perfect amount of filling, nestled in some of the best eggs ever served for breakfast. We stopped in for brunch to use a soon-to-expired City Tin coupon. I'm sad that I'm just now discovering this place and cannot wait to come back and try something from their dinner menu. Stop in - you won't regret it.
First yelp review! Jacques is an adorable little brasserie. Really feels like a petit zinc. Ordered the ham and gruyere crepe, 1664 beer. Also wanted the bouchee d'escargot based on reviews (and my undying love for snails!), but it was just me and it was just lunch. Didn't want to be too much of a fatty McGee! Crepe was amazing! Light and delicious. Service was also great. Polite and friendly, yet not overbearing at all. Will definitely be back!
(4)
Lara F.
This is the most authentic French restaurant with the best prices in Milwaukee. It's a cute country ambience and the owner is super sweet. I would give it another try for breakfast because the crepes sound delicious (and huge). I would pass on having dinner there again. I had the boeuf bourguignon and i was very underwhelmed. If this dish is done right it is one of the best things you will ever eat but the meat was sooo tough (I had to use a knife which normally isn't needed for a braised dish) and it needed a lot more seasoning. I am definitely not someone that likes salty food but I like seasoned food. The mashed potatoes were also very bland. The recipe definitely has potential if it's not over cooked and they season it better but I was left wishing I could have eaten something else. My friend had the chicken and hers was cooked very well so if you happen to be there, that is a safe bet. The garden in the back would be nice for brunch. Super cute. Three stars for the sweet owner and the possibility of the crepes completing my life.
(3)
Chad C.
BONJOUR! I've done Coquette, I've done Pastiche, it was time for Chez Jacques. Le Reve... you're on deck. If you're a French restaurant, you should be good at French Onion soup, non? Oui! Chez Jacques knows their way around a cup of French onion soup... or as they like to call it - onion soup. Tons of cheese, great flavor, I almost choked on some cheese a couple times but other than that it was a very positive experience! The stuffed mushrooms were just okay - not something I would recommend. They were just a bit dull and lacked flavor. The Vegetarian said they may have found better results grilling them rather than boiling them. I would have to agree with Veggie on this one. Crab cakes were good - not great. They were a bit bready (isn't that always the case, folks) but the lobster sauce made them better. I'm on the fence about re-ordering those. Maybe. For my main course I split a special Pork Chop Cordon Bleu - and splitting it was just fine, as I was plenty full. This was delicious and I would definitely get it again along with the French Onion Soup. I'm interested in checking out their brunch - I bet that's real nice. Although we had a new waiter, he was very personable and service was good. Like real Frenchies, we even stayed 2+ hours for dinner. If I could give them 3.5 stars I would, but I can't so I won't. AU REVOIR!
(3)
Kate L.
Awesome patio, great service, on-point roast beef mushroom crepes. Not that I have anything to compare them to. Want to try every ham and gruyere-ified thing on the menu so I'll be back. No complaints.
(4)
Melissa M.
Brunch was okay. My ham and gruyere crepe was tasty; but the rest of the brunch items ordered at my table were average or below. This was my second return and I couldn't remember my first experience. It's not memorable, I won't be going back.
(2)
Dreia P.
The beet salad is amazing! He marinated them until they melt in your mouth with the yummy gorgonzola cheese.
(5)
Lynne M.
I feel a bit confused about all the hype around this restaurant and all the 4 and 5 star ratings this place is given. I researched places to eat in Milwaukee while I was in town working and I pretty much hit it with every other place. I had sooooo many lovely meals! But, I had a less than stellar dining experience there. I can only conclude that those who consider this authentic French food have not ever eaten fantastic, or even good, French cuisine. And they certainly have never dined in France. I actually consider my meal there to be completely unsatifactory. I couldnt even finish 2 scallops... And I really tried. They were not fresh and they were overcooked.. The saffron sauce was thick and had not one iota of saffron taste. It was like a tasteless cheap hollandaise. Rice was undercooked and cheap tasting. The mussels were not fresh either and the broth was not even 'dip worthy'.. That brings me to the stale french bread.. Stale. There is a plethera of impressive local cuisine in Milwaukee, but I was very unimpressed by my meal at Chez Jaques.. Thanks for reading.
(2)
Jen Y.
I've heard good things about this place but convincing my husband we should take the trip is not easy.. generally he is not a fan of "heavy" French food. I don't get that. So one day we were at a food event and ended up seeing Jacques' food stand and my husband chatted it up and ended up loving him and his sandwhich! I mean love so much, let's go back to the restaurant tomorrow!!! So several visits later now he is telling everyone about the best crepes in town (he loves the roast beef one and I prefer the custard and berries one!) and croisstants... best croissants around. I love the orange marmalade it comes with. We have not had a bad meal here... even the basic stuff like cheese plates and salads are out of this world.
(5)
Cyn P.
Super good in every way ! Cute interior with lots of French country decor. French onion soup was perfectly salty. Melted cheese wasnt lava-hot , so for once I didnt burn my tongue rushing to eat it ! We wanted to share it so the sweet waiter John overheard us and brought it with 2 extra little bowls.The spinach and prociutto quiche was thin with flaky crust. Great flavor. Mushroom and Greyere omelet was huge and the mushrooms were excellent. The American style potatoes were rather blah but I didnt care as I focused on the quiche ! I thought I was full until the creme broulee came out. It was unbelievable !! Delight to the taste buds ! Can't wait to come back . My only complaint was my companian ate like a small child... and had cheese on his face half the time !! Ha ha ! I guess he enjoyed it too :)
(5)
Jessica F.
Went there for brunch the atmosphere and wait staff were great. The vanilla and berry crepes were incredible as were the banana and Nutella crepes. The French toast was a little thin and soggy but had a decent flavor . The dinner menu looked great, will definitely give it another try.
(3)
Judy O.
We tried Chez Jacques for the first time recently on a Sunday for brunch; we'll definitely be back! Two in our party ordered quiche and two ordered savory crepes. Everyone was very pleased with their meals. The restaurant is very attractive too; you'll feel like you're in a charming little European cafe.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Brunch Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Romantic Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Kathy B.
Tried them out yesterday's dinner, for the "6th Annual Fox 6 Days of Dining", which is running from October 23-28, 2014. The specials offered a three course dinner meal for $25.00 each. (VALUED AT $30.00) My husband and I dined, we each ordered different things as to try many items. The house salad and cream of broccoli soup where very good. The dijon dressing has a little bit of horseradish in it, that added that extra dash of taste. The offerings for the specials were proportionate and very tasty. I ordered the roast beef crepe. Normally, you receive two, but with the special you receive one and mashed potatoes as a side. My husband ordered the Coq au vin. Which is a roasted chicken in sauce with bow pasta. He said that the sauce was very salty. Chicken was cooked and seasoned will. Bow tie pasta was al dente. For Dessert there was only two choices. Chocolate Mousse and Sherbet. The chocolate was dreamy. But my husband was unable to determine what was the sherbet. It was deep red, he said, sour and unable to tell me what flavor it was. The server was not around, so we could not ask.
(4)Brian H.
Good food. Had a croissant app for brunch. It was delicious, flakey and came with a side of butter & jam. I had a creeps (vanilla with berries) they were also delicious and filling! The coffee was fresh and was refilled often.
(4)Katie F.
Food was rich but lacking anything special, service was fast and friendly, a good spot for a quick lunch
(3)Tala O.
I hadn't been to Jacques since they moved from their old location on 2nd street and I have to admit that the food is not as good as I remembered it. I ordered the chicken curry crepe, a menu item I distinctly remember liking, and was very disappointed. The chicken inside the crepe was not stewed in the sauce at all; instead the sauce was poured over the crepe at the end, making the chicken very dry and flavorless. The flavors of the sauce were also very flat and the texture was very oily and brothy; it could have definitely benefited from some more spicing and some coconut milk. Additionally, the portions are way too big at Chez Jacques, which seems inconsistent with what you'd expect from French cuisine. While appropriately priced at $10-$15, each plate comes with two massively large crepes. When my boyfriend and I saw the size we had to cancel our dessert order. I would have much preferred the option of ordering one crepe at $5-$7 so that I could mix and match. That being said, the atmosphere was really lovely for brunch, the mimosas were delicious, and my boyfriend's meal of Spinach and Rocquefort crepes and croissant was really good. This is definitely a Milwaukee institution that needs to stick around, though I'm hoping they'll make a few changes to the menu.
(3)Kiara H.
Always passed this place and wanted to stop by but because of City Tins I finally did with my husband for brunch. A little weird when we came in because no one came to greet us for a while but I'm glad we waited a bit because It was yummy! I got the Crab Benedict and we were already eyeing the rest of the menu. Definitely want to come back for Dinner!
(4)Lisa E.
I have heard really good things about this place but overall I'm disappointed. I love French food and I had really high expectations for this place. I'm mostly disappointed with the meals my boyfriend and I ordered. I ordered trout stuffed with crabmeat that was topped with a mustard cream sauce. The sauce overpowered the fish and crabmeat. I could only taste mustard. My boyfriend ordered the chicken with wine sauce. The chicken or maybe it was the sauce had a weird taste to it. The taste was between rubber and Chinese cashew chicken....this is the best I could describe it. Maybe it was left in the freezer for too long? Now let me talk about the good parts of my experience. The server was attentive and brought us everything in a timely manner. I liked he wasn't eager to take away our bread basket. I love bread and typically this is the first things server's swipe. We also ordered the mussels which were awesome. The white wine cream sauce was to die for. I'm going to try this place again because I believe they can do better and I've heard good things about this place.
(2)Ellie M.
Since I first ate at Chez Jacques a few years ago with a friend, I've been telling my husband we needed to stop in. My first meal there was tasty, the atmosphere was fun and the staff was inviting and helpful. This time, quite the opposite. This may be the closest thing Milwaukee has to authentic French food as their ads say, but don't be fooled. This is not how French food should taste. It was a hot day, so my husband and I decided to order four small plates instead of entrees. The waiter said that we'd ordered some of the best dishes on the menu... Promising! And the bread that he brought was perfect. When they arrived, each dish looked un-appetizing at the very least. The escargot was cooked very well, but the puff pastry was somehow dry even though it was sitting in a lake of butter. We also ordered the mussels at the same time. They came out swimming in cream (the menu says it's a white wine sauce -- definitely more like 2 cups of cream and a splash of wine with zero flavor). They were tiny, stringy, gritty and a few were even rancid. We couldn't even get at half of them because the shells weren't open. I regret that we didn't pipe up, but we were hoping for two better dishes to follow. I've had bad mussels at good restaurants before. The second "course": charcuterie and roasted veggie salad, both more disappointing than the first two. The horribly overpriced charcuterie (it's mostly bread and lettuce) had clearly been plated hours ago. The prosciutto and pate were both dry, and the bread and toast were stale. The roasted veggie salad was slimy, so it had probably been made much earlier as well. When our server asked how things were, my husband admitted we weren't happy with the food, and instead of asking us how he could fix things, he scurried off to bring our bill. We did speak with a kind server on the way out, and let her know that the chef should check the mussels. She was glad for the heads up and wished us a good night. We left hungry. Sorry, but not enough to make us want to return.
(2)Angela S.
The perch special was good. The other items we ordered were just ok the clam chowder was thin, we are use to this being creamy and thick, the French onion soup have had better. The beef bourgionne lacked the rich flavor, I make better at home from a recipe I found in the Journal from Sanford's restaurant. Loved the chocolate torte cake, the crème brulee was just ok, I like Fresh Markets better and it's half the price.
(3)Katie K.
Did you know there is a patio out back? I din't. I bike past here everyday and thought this cute little restaurant is on such an unfortunate/busy street. So thank you City Tin 2014 for dragging me in otherwise I would have missed this little gem. Service is fantastic. I feel the the food is fairly priced. Actually , a bit cheaper than some places I have been recently and better. I had the Boeuf Bourguignon. Very rich and filling. I really enjoyed it. Our server paired the wine perfectly for me. I will absolutely be back and write a more detailed review!
(4)Terry K.
Awesome French restaurant. I had awesome moules when I visited France. Chez Jacques had exact same taste moules. Loved pork chap and sorbet.
(5)Shannon C.
Seriously, Chez Jacques makes their balsamic vinaigrette from scratch, and it is the best I have ever had. SO GOOD. I ordered the house salad and wasn't really feeling the mustardy dressing that accompanied it. Our server -- a blonde guy who was extremely nice, by the way -- brought me the vinaigrette and seriously, it was heaven. H E A V E N. Their $7 glass of pinot noir is a really good deal. My husband had the Croque Monsieur and said it was better than any he's had in Milwaukee -- even Le Rêve's, his old standby. They had an asparagus soup the day we went in, and it was delicious. So full of flavor for a creamy soup. Can't wait to go back!
(4)Victor T.
Wonderful atmosphere - the garden out back is fantastic!! Super authentic French cuisine. Jacques is a sweetheart! We'll be back!
(4)Tony F.
This is what I want when I want French. An intimate, relaxed atmosphere with nice decor, painted to look like the crumbling plaster walls of some Parisian back street. Service and food were both top notch. We ordered as much as we could handle, and then dessert! Everything was impeccable, we tried each other's dishes, and had a sweet, romantic dinner together. I will recommend this as Milwaukee's French benchmark.
(5)Joanna T.
With all the new places popping up in Walkers Point, I sometimes forget about old favorites (and then feel guilty about it). Case in point, Chez Jacques. CJ's been around a long time for good reason - tasty, traditional and very authentic French food. Sure, I'm a fan of Patische, Coquette and La Reve too, but Jacques' food tastes the closest to what I had in Parisian bistros. His Onion soup is the best in town - light, full of fresh thyme and not overly salty. Today, I broke with tradition and ordered the chicken dumpling soup (because I knew I could steal some of my husbands onion soup!) which was perfect - homemade dumplings, big chunks of tasty veggies and a great broth. I love that you can have brunch every day until 3pm - there's a nice selection of omlettes, quiches and crepes (sweet or savory) to pick from. Today I went with a pate sandwich which is my absolute favorite and also hard to find - it was exactly what I wanted. Perfect, crusty baguette, savory pâté, crunchy cornichons and spicy Dijon mustard....yumm. My husband ordered a classic croque Monsieur which he really liked because it wasn't overly greasy. If you're hungrier than that, you can't go wrong with the classics for entrees. I like their steak frites and the cassoulet (which is a mountain of food btw). The Mister likes their scallops and beef bourgogne. In terms of price point, I'd say CJ's is about the same or a little less than the other French places in town. They've also got a strong, accessable wine list with a good number of by-the-glass options. I've also always had really good service here too - attentive without being intrusive and generally very efficient. That may be because Jacques is always here - always - and never seems to stop moving. One second he's clearing plates, the next he's pouring drinks or checking in to make sure you're happy. That level of commitment shows in the food for sure. I won't forget you again, Chez Jacques.
(4)Carrie G.
We've all had those days when we just feel like we need to get away. But schedules and commitments and budgets and such don't always allow us to go as far as we'd like. May I suggest a trip to Walker's Point and the long standing classic French eatery, Chez Jacques. Like many European dwellings, the looks from the outside can be a bit deceiving. And when you step into the doors you immediately feel the influence of France. The low ceilings, the terrazzo floor, and the general aesthetic will transport you. Go with it and enjoy. If It weather allows, choose seats on the patio. You will quickly lose any sense of the city that surrounds you. The large oak trees, the precise landscaping and the beautiful paintings truly impress. My pictures do not begin to do justice to this serene and welcoming setting. Since we were there for brunch my guest and I both ordered the classic bloody mary. They taste was solid, but very much tomato based with none of the requisite layers from the trifecta of seasonings; celery salt, horseradish, and worcestershire. What was even more disappointing for me was that when my friend ordered a second bloody is was perfectly prepared and seasoned. Someone there knew how to make a great drink and they didn't have them doing it all the time (sadface). Entrees were much more consistent, and delish. My guest was thrilled with the omelette and the Nicoise Tuna Salad was one of the best I've had. The tuna salad was hearty in portion and flawless in taste. Dots of finely chopped celery and onions along with traditional seasoning balanced the flavor perfectly. The accompanying green beans and potatoes were fresh and perfectly cooked and seasoned. And the nicoise olives provided the little bit of salt that was needed to bring the dish together. Service was excellent; attentive but not overbearing. And the brunch menu has the usual suspects (pancakes, omelettes, crepes and benedicts (6.95 - 11.95) as well as two special dishes, Crab Benedict and Smoked Salmon potato cake, both priced at 13.50. And of much excitement to me, the brunch menu is served until 3pm, seven days a week! So the very next time you're needing a getaway, if only for a few hours, Chez Jacques should be at the top of your list!
(4)Angela M.
Not to sound snotty, but amen! Finally, a place that can master the true pronunciation of crêpe. It's not a CRAPE, people! It makes me cringe when servers insist on saying that. Anyway, I visited Chez Jacques a few years ago with my parents, and returned a few months ago with a friend. It was just as I remembered and equally delicious. My friend and I visited on a cold Tuesday night, so needless to say, there weren't too many people in the restaurant. Our server was attentive, almost too attentive, but I'm sure he was just bored. He was friendly and knowledgeable. The atmosphere was classy, yet casual. It didn't feel stuffy or pretentious. The food was awesome! Both of us loved our appetizer (the olive spread and the baked goat cheese), our crêpes (roast beef mushroom), and the dessert (crème brûlée). And this almost goes without mentioning, but the wine was fabulous! There are so many more items I'd love to try as well. I will definitely be back to work my way thru their menu :) I found their prices to be considerably reasonable, so that was another plus.
(4)Matt W.
Incredible happy hour deals and impeccable service in a cozy, unpretentious setting - yeah, that works for me. My journey to Chez Jacques started simply enough. My daughter wanted crepes and the restaurant showed up on the list when I searched for crepes on Yelp. First impressions: Umm, not that great - the post-industrial backdrop to the restaurant could serve as a set for a remake of Escape from New York. It seemed like a strange setting for creperie. However, there was plenty of free, street parking and the location was a short drive to our next stop (Miller Park), so we ventured inside. Once we passed through the front door, we were instantly teleported from Rust Belt Milwaukee to the banks of the Seine. The first thing that caught our eye was the magnificent mahogany bar, which allayed our initial concerns about the location. The tin ceilings, rustic tile floor and French café music playing in the background also created a welcoming ambience. The host warmly greeted my daughter and I and led us to our table. Our server promptly explained the happy hour specials: $1 off a glass of wine and $6 for any appetizer. As expected from a French bistro, Chez Jacques offers an impressive wine list including some special cellar selections of older vintages and rare finds. I appreciated the detailed tasting notes that accompanied each selection. I decided on the Le Grand Noir, which came with the following description "Black cherry and raspberry intermingle with floral and spice elements leading to a rich wine with a long finish". How could I resist? I ordered a pair of appetizers and my daughter immediately zeroed in on the banana-nutella crepe. The wonderfully balanced Bouchee a la Reine (veal and porcini mushrooms in a puff pastry with a cream sauce) was a veritable steal at $6 during happy hour. It offered great textural contrast between the delightfully flakey puff pastry and the fork tender veal. Complementing the dish was a silky smooth cream sauce, accented with a garnish of chopped parsley. We also enjoyed Fromage de Chevre a la Provencale (baked goat cheese with tomatoes, garlic, basil and toast). Some places dumb down their happy hour specials, but that certainly is not the case at Chez Jacques where is received a generous serving of slightly grassy goat cheese in an impeccably seasoned bed of tomato sauce. Again, I appreciated the balance between creamy cheese and the brightness of the sauce. The toasted baguettes provided the added textural element needed to complete the dish. The banana-nutella crepe was ginormous and received two thumbs up from my daughter who is a self-proclaimed nutella aficionado. Also receiving high marks was the thick and creamy hot chocolate, covered with a billowy pile of whipped cream. Since we visited the restaurant during the lull between the lunch and dinner services, we were the only patrons in the restaurant. Even though my daughter and I were dressed for that evening's Brewers game, we did not feel out of place in the relaxed bistro setting. Without other patrons to keep him busy, our server doted on us during our entire stay. At this point, a four star rating seems appropriate, since I only sampled a pair of appetizers. Based on my experience, I have no problem recommending Chez Jacques and I look forward to visiting again the next time my travels take me to Milwaukee.
(4)Lisa A.
So I finally made it to Chez Jacques. And now I'm a little irritated. Because despite the fact that City Tin has been burning a hole in my pocket...I've had yet to make it here! Now it's a bit blustery and Autumn-ish in the 414 so we weren't able to take advantage of what sounds and looks like an awesome tucked away patio. But the whole atmosphere was french provincial-slash-bistro. Warm and inviting and exactly what you'd expect. There's hard wood floors, a few (tasteful and not overdone) pics of the Eiffel tower and a beautiful bar when you walk in. Ordered: I don't know about you but nothing says French restaurant more than Escargot so we started with that. so delicious! Server with a buttery phyllo pastry. We also tried the stuffed mushrooms but I prefer the snails. Other-- French onion soup. Also wonderful. Croque Madame. Sweet Bejeezus. A beautiful buttery sandwich with ham, cheese topped with a fried egg. I couldn't finish the whole thing but it made me want to get some pain, some jambon and fromage, throw it in some beurre and try to create my own version some weekend morning. (Might not be as good but hey, I can try.) I had a sparkling cidre, served (& tasting) a little like champagne. ooh, also best hot chocolate (chocolat? le chocolat? Irrelevant side note: anyone remember chococat? hello kitty's boy cat friend? anyhow, as always, I digress...) ever. I would have never thought the hot chocolate here would have been so awesome! Our service was very attentive. Ooh...and bike parking out front (cuz how else do you get to a fine French restaurant than on your bike??:)
(4)Chelsie N.
This place was was a solid choice for lunch. Service was pleasant but it took a very long time to get our food. Was there for about an hour and a half. I was with 2 others and 2 of us ordered the french onion soup. It took over a half hour to get the soup BUT it was worth the wait. Not a crispy top like the pictures show but still delicious. We got our sandwiches soon after and they were very good. I got the Croque Monsieur which was great. Pretty large portion. Overall would give it a second shot because the food was yummy.
(3)Joe P.
Descriptive phrase: plush French restaurant. Four of us came for dinner on a Friday night, and oddly our reservation was not needed as Chez Jacques was empty. It's a cute place, located right on 1st in Walker's Point and with both a dining area and separate bar. Our server was knowledgeable and attentive, and made the whole experience better than it would've been. I got to try a bit of the Onion Soupe Gratinee ($5.50) a friend got, which was rich and extremely cheesy. My entree was the Côtes de Porc "Normandy" ($20.95). This was a thoroughly unremarkable dish. The description (Pork chops with caramelized apple glaze and Calvados (apple brandy). Served with saffron rice.) was on-point, but it just was not anywhere as delicious as it sounds. The cuts of pork were either sub-par or poorly-prepared, The sliced apples on top were fresh, but the glaze was overly-sweet and extremely heavy. I love saffron rice, and theirs was as tasty as any other $1 bag from the store. No additional spice to be found. Hard to judge a place on one poor entree, but this meal at Chez Jacques was below what I expected (and not in the same league as other French restaurants nearby). Service was great, and my Port ($6) was a nice treat, but I won't be frequenting Chez Jacques for dinner.
(3)Rick R.
Editorial: I'm going to be the unpopular guy that doesn't pick the other "French" restaurants as my favorite. I prefer Chez Jacques. I had a conversation with a friend about the French dining options. I was defending Chez Jacques and they were defending the others. We compromised at calling Chez Jacques a "classic" French restaurant, while the others are more modernized French "bistros." I can live with that. My argument...let's start with the fact that Chez Jacques originally had an actual French chef, trained in classic French cooking - in France. The chef has since gone, but some of the cooks currently with Chez Jacques were trained by that chef and are using his recipes. I also like the fact that the owner is French. Then let's add value. The entrees are priced fairly and servings are generous, so diners feel like they "got their money's worth." Plus, the food is delicious which is a bonus. My favorite dish is the Boeuf Bourguignon, "Burgundy beef stew cooked in red wine with mushrooms, pearl onions and bacon. Served over purée potatoes. 19.95" This dish is rich, very rich. I've also had the Côtes de Porc "Normandy", "Pork chops with caramelized apple glaze and Calvados (apple brandy) served with a savory saffron rice. (20.95) and the Poisson a la Provençale, currently with Tilapia, but was made with a Lake Superior Whitefish when I had it. The fish is baked with tomatoes, onions, capers and white wine and served with savory saffron rice (19.95). As you can guess, the pork chops with the caramelized apple glaze with apple brandy were incredible! The whitefish was perfectly cooked and the saffron rice was a great complement to both entrees. A few months ago, I went in to try the Cassoulet, with pork sausage, pork chop, duck confit, white beans, and bread crumbs for texture. I enjoyed the dish, but it was served in a large white bowl, with each component beside each other instead of in a tapered cast iron crock and layered components. The serving was large and since the dish is only served in the winter, it would be cost prohibitive to invest in cast iron pans large enough to hold all of that food and only use them a couple of months a year, so I definitely understand that. Once or twice a week, there are live musicians which add to the romantic ambience that Chez Jacques provides. Want to bring in a large group? They offer a private dining room that seats 20-25. Want to dine outside? Try their back patio. They also serve weekend brunch until 3:00. Those are the reasons I prefer Chez Jacques to the others, which are good in their way, but this place is my favorite.
(4)Carrie C.
Wow. Pretty bad. Had been excited to try this spot because it looks so cute from outside. Just being in doorway, holding baby carrier, the host didn't greet me or help with door as I held it for my 2 yr old & mom....and I thought, oh great here we go. Food was so mediocre. Crab Benedict was terrible. Real crab? Don't think so. Moms seafood crepe same thing....gross. Was so disappointed.
(3)Lawrence B.
I was very impressed by the menu, food taste, the good service, and the lovely interior. I will definitely make this a place to take guests. Milwaukee has a fantastic variety of exotic cuisines to choose from and this restaurant adds to the sparkle.
(4)Kelly B.
After Rick R.'s recommendation for brunch here, the man and I were finally able to swing in Saturday morning. We pulled up at 10:30 and it was pretty dead. We entered the dark lounge area and were greeted by the owner, Jacques. We opted to sit on the patio and WOW! It was tucked behind the building and full of lush green trees, perfectly manicured flowers and landscaping. The wall of the building was covered in a beautiful mural of France. If it weren't for the loud construction crew right outside, I would have forgotten I was in the city at all. The brunch/drink menu was pretty scarce - mimosa, bloody, coffee. I got a screwdriver and Joe got the bloody. While the garnished were nothing to note (an olive, pickle, lemon, lime and some celery salt) he noted that the mix was pretty flavorful and could taste a nice pour of vodka. I also felt that the vodka was a strong component of my drink, but it didn't taste like gordons - it was an enjoyably strong and well made drink. We had the ham and gruyere crepes and the crab benedict. The crab benedict was plated beautifully and had a ton of food. The crepes were literally two tubes on a plate. I would suggest maybe throwing a little dish of fruit or SOMETHING on the side there? The gruyere and the sauce was delicious, the ham was salty and hot and the crepes were cooked just how I like, crispy on the edges! The crab bene was a TON of crabmeat on top of an english muffin, tons of eggs and topped with an awesome-yet-nameless reddish sauce that was awesome. There were chunked american potatoes on the side that were seasoned lightly with salt and pepper but they were seriously and perfectly al dente. I sampled many bites... Our server, Marco, was attentive and friendly - food came out in a timely manner and we really enjoyed our meal. I will be back to try the supper entrees!
(4)Aubrey G.
First time at Chez Jacques for me. Second time for Cheryl. We were there on Friday at noon, after thanksgiving (11/29/13), for lunch. My first impression when parking in front of the location was, "What an unusual part of town for a French Cafe." When we walked in, we were greeted warmly and "en Francais" by a gentleman whom I subsequently learned was Jacques, the owner and namesake of the restaurant. (At my request, he posed for a picture after we ate that I posted). The inside of the restaurant is decorated simply but did, indeed, feel like a French café, though we've never been in France. The menu is not complicated, but is filled with French food choices for breakfast, lunch and dinner, including but not limited to omelets, crepes, croissant sandwiches, quiches, French cheese plates, escargots, tapenade, Boeuf Bourguignon, etc. as well as one (or two) three course meal choices. We shared a splendid spinach and Roquefort omelet, accompanied by sliced and plain roasted baby (what I believe were) Yukon potatoes; simple and healthy. We also shared an order of crab cakes. These were outstanding and obviously house made, accompanied with a creamy ground mustard sauce that was perfect. A glass of the house (French) Rose was "tres bien." (See the pix I took). We took a look at the rest of the restaurant after eating. It is very nicely decorated and an impressive space, much larger than it first looks when walking in. Jacques informed us that there is a dining area in the patio, as well, weather permitting. The large wood bar is inviting and in a large space. We really like Chez Jacques. It feels like an upscale family owned bistro that I can easily imagine is in Paris. Pricing is reasonable. Service was excellent. There are quite a few items on the menu we're looking forward to trying during our next visit.
(4)Kevin P.
I must say that I was extremely excited to come here and it missed the mark on both of our main course lunch sandwiches. I'll start with the French onion soup as the part of the meal that was very good. I will give it 4.5/5 and is comparable to other great soups I've had in town. The olive tapenade appetizer was okay and it didn't seem to have enough pieces of crostini. Now comes to the part of the meal that I was looking forward to most and skipped breakfast to enjoy. I ordered a Croque Monsieur and couldn't wait for it because I've enjoyed it countless times at other places in town(Coquette Cafe, La Reve, Lake Park Bistro) and it's become one of my favorites. The one I received here was undesirable. The bread was very basic and didn't have any homemade qualities to it. The ham and cheese was okay, but there was no béchamel sauce to bring everything together. The bread also seemed toasted, but wasn't properly buttered. It wasn't a Croque Monsieur at all...it was a sad attempt at a grilled ham and cheese... I make grilled cheese in a panini maker all the time and my sandwiches beat this one down with ease. The fries were also disappointing. They weren't properly salted and didn't taste of any decent quality. I asked for some aioli and the server said he could bring me mustard...Needless to say, I know where I'm not going again to get my sandwich fix. My girlfriend ordered the same thing and was equally disappointed. The meal was $54 for two with tip and we both commented on how we will try again, but maybe need to try for dinner.
(2)Dan A.
I had never gone to a French restaurant but went here for a b-day celebration. I was expecting something somewhat, I don't know, stuffy, like you see in movies or in Blondie. But it was somewhat casual though very nice- you could dress-up , ie suit jacket, and not feel out of place. It was easy to find. I did not see any lot parking but there was pretty good street parking. The wait staff was very nice, and helpful. The menu was in French and English. WE HAD SNAILS!! They were quite good, somewhat like oysters; prepared with garlic and butter. Besides snails we had stuffed mushrooms, ham sandwich(with fried egg on top), crepes(seafood), and a vegetable sandwich. And soup, French of course, onion soup. The onion soup was good, though I would recommend more soup and less fromage. It was not too salty though. I have had onion soup too salty to eat. We did not partake of wine list. We did have a apple cider, cidre en Francais, and that was good. We were surprised by the good decaf. It was from and local roaster. The server kept our cups full. There was a variety of priced items on the menu. Ala carte, sandwiches, to fixed price meals. I recommend and would return.
(4)Andrea C.
Is it possible to fall in love with a breakfast dish? Because I think I just did. Jacques Crab Benedictes is amazing!! It is a definite must try. If seafood isn't your style, the omelettes were also delicious - the perfect amount of filling, nestled in some of the best eggs ever served for breakfast. We stopped in for brunch to use a soon-to-expired City Tin coupon. I'm sad that I'm just now discovering this place and cannot wait to come back and try something from their dinner menu. Stop in - you won't regret it.
(5)Mike P.
WHY: City Tin discount coaster, had never dined at Chez Jacques. Dined on a Sunday morning for brunch. IMPRESSIONS: Located in the Fifth Ward, fitting decor with antique shops in the area. Patina tin ceiling throughout, lots of little details, French but not intimidating. Easy FREE parking on a side street. We were greeted by a hostess and the owner (thanks to Aubrey G's review I knew who he was). We were seated next to a sunny West facing window. Greetings, water and coffee soon followed. ORDERED: Jacques' Crab Benedicte (A toasted English muffin topped with our famous crab cake, scrambled eggs and a savory lobster-tomato cream sauces. Served with breakfast potatoes. - text from menu) $13.50 and Anodyne Coffee $2.25, very fair price for a bottomless cup of locally roasted coffee. TASTED: Wow! The dish arrived within ten minutes. My first impression of the Crab Benedicte was "where do I begin!". Perfectly prepared fluffy scrambled eggs covering a delicious crab cake with an English muffin on bottom soaking up the layers of juice. The lobster-tomato sauce was incredible! My wife liked her quiche but after sampling my dish she wanted me to share. The breakfast potatoes were crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, seasoned with large grains of sea salt and a plastic container of ketchup. I dipped the potatoes in the leftover cream sauce. I highly recommend this dish!!! FRENCH BABIES: There was a baby crying in another room. I asked my wife if "French babies cry in French?" without missing a beat she replied "Yes, it's more like Wha-wha-wii-wii". OTHER OBSERVATIONS: The service was professional. French restaurants have a reputation for being stuffy and intimidating. Chez Jacques has none of that. Our waiter quietly filled waters, warmed coffee, checked on the food, cleared the dishes all with out interrupting the conversation, see above. Jacques himself checked on us, I told him my only regret was "not finding this place sooner". DRESS: I wouldn't feel comfortable dining here in a sweatshirt and Brewers cap but jeans and a long sleeve shirt and I didn't feel out of place. I've driven by this place many many times and assumed it was too busy and would have a long wait and/or be a stuffy intimidating French place. None of my assumptions thankfully proved true. MENU DESIGN: I like the nod to the posters of Paris! Toulouse-Lautrec and Jules Chéret inspired. There are also Milwaukee elements mixed in, I believe the clock from "Streets of Old Milwaukee" is represented here along with Allen-Bradley clock. I love the details. I think Chez Jacques is a gem and thankful that with City Tins I "discovered" it. One visit, one dish tasted but sticking with five stars.
(5)Shanta S.
First yelp review! Jacques is an adorable little brasserie. Really feels like a petit zinc. Ordered the ham and gruyere crepe, 1664 beer. Also wanted the bouchee d'escargot based on reviews (and my undying love for snails!), but it was just me and it was just lunch. Didn't want to be too much of a fatty McGee! Crepe was amazing! Light and delicious. Service was also great. Polite and friendly, yet not overbearing at all. Will definitely be back!
(4)Lara F.
This is the most authentic French restaurant with the best prices in Milwaukee. It's a cute country ambience and the owner is super sweet. I would give it another try for breakfast because the crepes sound delicious (and huge). I would pass on having dinner there again. I had the boeuf bourguignon and i was very underwhelmed. If this dish is done right it is one of the best things you will ever eat but the meat was sooo tough (I had to use a knife which normally isn't needed for a braised dish) and it needed a lot more seasoning. I am definitely not someone that likes salty food but I like seasoned food. The mashed potatoes were also very bland. The recipe definitely has potential if it's not over cooked and they season it better but I was left wishing I could have eaten something else. My friend had the chicken and hers was cooked very well so if you happen to be there, that is a safe bet. The garden in the back would be nice for brunch. Super cute. Three stars for the sweet owner and the possibility of the crepes completing my life.
(3)Chad C.
BONJOUR! I've done Coquette, I've done Pastiche, it was time for Chez Jacques. Le Reve... you're on deck. If you're a French restaurant, you should be good at French Onion soup, non? Oui! Chez Jacques knows their way around a cup of French onion soup... or as they like to call it - onion soup. Tons of cheese, great flavor, I almost choked on some cheese a couple times but other than that it was a very positive experience! The stuffed mushrooms were just okay - not something I would recommend. They were just a bit dull and lacked flavor. The Vegetarian said they may have found better results grilling them rather than boiling them. I would have to agree with Veggie on this one. Crab cakes were good - not great. They were a bit bready (isn't that always the case, folks) but the lobster sauce made them better. I'm on the fence about re-ordering those. Maybe. For my main course I split a special Pork Chop Cordon Bleu - and splitting it was just fine, as I was plenty full. This was delicious and I would definitely get it again along with the French Onion Soup. I'm interested in checking out their brunch - I bet that's real nice. Although we had a new waiter, he was very personable and service was good. Like real Frenchies, we even stayed 2+ hours for dinner. If I could give them 3.5 stars I would, but I can't so I won't. AU REVOIR!
(3)Kate L.
Awesome patio, great service, on-point roast beef mushroom crepes. Not that I have anything to compare them to. Want to try every ham and gruyere-ified thing on the menu so I'll be back. No complaints.
(4)Melissa M.
Brunch was okay. My ham and gruyere crepe was tasty; but the rest of the brunch items ordered at my table were average or below. This was my second return and I couldn't remember my first experience. It's not memorable, I won't be going back.
(2)Dreia P.
The beet salad is amazing! He marinated them until they melt in your mouth with the yummy gorgonzola cheese.
(5)Lynne M.
I feel a bit confused about all the hype around this restaurant and all the 4 and 5 star ratings this place is given. I researched places to eat in Milwaukee while I was in town working and I pretty much hit it with every other place. I had sooooo many lovely meals! But, I had a less than stellar dining experience there. I can only conclude that those who consider this authentic French food have not ever eaten fantastic, or even good, French cuisine. And they certainly have never dined in France. I actually consider my meal there to be completely unsatifactory. I couldnt even finish 2 scallops... And I really tried. They were not fresh and they were overcooked.. The saffron sauce was thick and had not one iota of saffron taste. It was like a tasteless cheap hollandaise. Rice was undercooked and cheap tasting. The mussels were not fresh either and the broth was not even 'dip worthy'.. That brings me to the stale french bread.. Stale. There is a plethera of impressive local cuisine in Milwaukee, but I was very unimpressed by my meal at Chez Jaques.. Thanks for reading.
(2)Jen Y.
I've heard good things about this place but convincing my husband we should take the trip is not easy.. generally he is not a fan of "heavy" French food. I don't get that. So one day we were at a food event and ended up seeing Jacques' food stand and my husband chatted it up and ended up loving him and his sandwhich! I mean love so much, let's go back to the restaurant tomorrow!!! So several visits later now he is telling everyone about the best crepes in town (he loves the roast beef one and I prefer the custard and berries one!) and croisstants... best croissants around. I love the orange marmalade it comes with. We have not had a bad meal here... even the basic stuff like cheese plates and salads are out of this world.
(5)Cyn P.
Super good in every way ! Cute interior with lots of French country decor. French onion soup was perfectly salty. Melted cheese wasnt lava-hot , so for once I didnt burn my tongue rushing to eat it ! We wanted to share it so the sweet waiter John overheard us and brought it with 2 extra little bowls.The spinach and prociutto quiche was thin with flaky crust. Great flavor. Mushroom and Greyere omelet was huge and the mushrooms were excellent. The American style potatoes were rather blah but I didnt care as I focused on the quiche ! I thought I was full until the creme broulee came out. It was unbelievable !! Delight to the taste buds ! Can't wait to come back . My only complaint was my companian ate like a small child... and had cheese on his face half the time !! Ha ha ! I guess he enjoyed it too :)
(5)Jessica F.
Went there for brunch the atmosphere and wait staff were great. The vanilla and berry crepes were incredible as were the banana and Nutella crepes. The French toast was a little thin and soggy but had a decent flavor . The dinner menu looked great, will definitely give it another try.
(3)Judy O.
We tried Chez Jacques for the first time recently on a Sunday for brunch; we'll definitely be back! Two in our party ordered quiche and two ordered savory crepes. Everyone was very pleased with their meals. The restaurant is very attractive too; you'll feel like you're in a charming little European cafe.
(4)