Cab’s Wine Bar Bistro

We had a reservation for nine people, made two weeks in advance. When we arrived, they were closed. No sign. The bar next door told us they closed last weekend for remodeling. No one bothered to call us.

My wife and I really enjoyed ourselves at Cabs. Almost a little too much hehe ;)
Bartender was awesome, he was knowledgeable of the beers, wines and scotches. The Old Fashion he made me was just like I make them at home, which is the best in my opinion lol. So props to Alex (?) on his hospitality.
While enjoying drinks the owner Lisa inquired about our recent home purchase mentioned in the reservation, and welcomed us to Cabs as well as Glen Ellyn.
Our server, I believe her name was Katie?, was absolutely fantastic! Cute, outgoing, knowledgeable of the dishes and overall very patient. She checked in on us accordingly, but wasn’t pushy, and didn’t hesitate to recommend her favs when we (I) was indecisive. I’m glad I went with her recommendation of the grilled seafood combination as it was delicious. Did I mention she was cute?
After our meal and drinks, the Chef (owner/manager’s husband) Luis chatted us up for a few mins and also welcomed us to town.
This is a family run business. The entire staff is welcoming, accommodating, and generally very laid back. It’s rare to find restaurants like this in the Chicagoland area. We felt as though we were in a quaint upscale restaurant in Wisconsin or something. I got the vibe that everyone generally enjoyed working there, which is somewhat rare.
I wish them the best and look forward to many more visits.
I really look fwd to hearing some live music some time. My only criticism is their online calendar doesn’t show anything but the website says most Friday’s and Saturdays?

This review is for the bar only, as we haven’t eaten here yet. Saturday’s around 7pm for the red wine. Friendly service from the bartenders and low key environment that lets you have a nice quiet conversation. 1 TV on the wall playing sports and a skylight for the natural light. The music playing is Pandora — Michael Bubble. The wine selection is small and needs more, really don’t feel the wine menu matches the name Cab’s (which makes me think of Cabernet). The smell of fish throughout the bar could have something to do with the kitchen exhaust and the interior needs a redesign, get rid of the yellow paint and add dark wood trim throughout.

Fabulous food with a unique twist. The owner sat us and was so friendly and inviting. I’ve been here twice. A burger that was tasting and hardy and the penlla (spelling) was so filled with flavor and a unique blend of chicken and sea food. They happily obliged my order request for no scallops. They offer some terrific GF options! I would not hesitate to return.

Outstanding bar menu. A choice of craft beers and Wines. I must say, if your looking to enjoy a good appetizer menu. Stop by and enjoy. They are all very good… You won’t be disappointed! I guaranteed it!

Cabs is a solid bistro. Wait staff and hostess were friendly. We ordered cocktails which caused the server to be completely perplexed. (A Negroni and a Boulevardier). The bartender made both exceptionally well. One complaint — we were charged an additional $ 3 for a martini ‘up’. I’ve not seen that before. Seems odd.
The restaurant is a bit loud and not conducive to intimate conversation. Ambiance is bright and airy, even at night. Minimalistic decorating, for sure.
Food was good, but nothing to rave about. Solidly executed. We ate steaks, fish, and grilled veggies in our party of four.
The price for food was exactly what one would expect from a restaurant in the western suburbs.
We’d go back, but we’d not go out of our way to go back.

My friend and I had an early dinner at Fire + Wine across the street and had some time to kill before seeing a movie. We decided to head over to this place for a drink… or in this case, a wine flight.
At 6ish pm there was no wait for dinner, though the place wasn’t exactly ‘dead’. We grabbed a seat at the bar which had a few seats available. Our service was quick, and friendly. We browsed the menu because we like trying new places and this place seemed right up our alley! They have a nice menu with a lot of great things on it so we definitely plan on coming back soon for dinner.
While enjoying our flights of wine we decided to share a SECOND dessert… it’s Christmas time, so tis the season… for calories!!!
We split a slice of cheesecake which was on top of both a mango and strawberry sauce. One of the servers told us all their desserts are great, and homemade. It was A-​mazing!!! Based on all this… we WILL return. I cannot wait to come back here for dinner!

You really can’t go wrong with food here. Chef Luis Allyon is on top of everything and his kitchen staff have been with him for years. My only suggestion this visit is to the bartender. Please chill the martini glasses. It really does make a difference. Also, olives were excellent but blue cheese was blah!

I’m shocked I never reviewed this place. That makes it sad, that on this day, after all of these years, when I became its «Duchess,» that I have to say this…
It’s not a good sign when over and over at the bar you see the flashing lights of the devices calling people to their now-​ready tables. And they go… across the street. Fire & Wine is rocking and SO crowded that their overflow finds themselves at Cab’s, occasionally staying for dinner. That’s how I’ve found myself dining at Cab’s these past few times… by default.
This was my favorite place for years. The cheese flight? Delicious! The meals? Amazing. The bar seems to be a real favorite with the locals. It’s common to see them drift in from the trains in the early evenings. It’s been a narrow, interesting space that regrettably has grown stale and a bit splattered and dingy. They had a near miss with a fear of closing earlier this year but found an investor who saved the day… so it seemed. It’s a ghost. A shadow of what it was. A restaurant past its glory days surviving on the scraps that won’t wait for a table at Fire & Wine.
It’s not that the food quality has so dropped but its tired. More limited. No energy. I looked around and all I saw were old folks… and yes, I’m nearly one of them, but not so far along and not so bored that I’m willing to go to a place that’s merely going through the motions. I mean honestly… you’re to pay $ 20 – 25 a plate at a wine bar and find a bowl of Dum-​Dum suckers at the hostess station? Uh… thanks? No thanks.
Cab’s was great but now it’s done. Wait for your table at Fire & Wine. It’s worth it. Alternatives would be Made in Italy Trattoria (yummy and SO welcoming) or Bistro Monet right on the tracks. Pricey, but delicious!

Great little place to grab wine flight! We didn’t eat there the last visit… although
Recall enjoying my meal on my prior visit.

I really wanted to like this place. We originally set out to grab a few drinks at a neighboring bar but decided not to wait an hour for a table at Fire & Wine, so when we entered Cabs we were thrilled to see we could be seated immediately.
The hostess was exceptionally pleasant and friendly. The waitress was also nice enough. But the food and service was poor and confusing. As soon as we were seated, a small dish of oil and vegetables were set at the table. It was obviously meant to accompany bread, but no bread was to be found. The waitress told us someone else would bring it shortly and we went ahead and ordered two different flights which featured bold reds and Pinot Noir. When the wines arrived about 10 minutes later (oddly served actually warm and not at the appropriate room temp) we had to ask about the bread again. We also ordered ‘cheese curds’, which tasted like fried fried. That’s right — fried fried. There was no other discernible flavor other than ‘fried’.
I give this place three stars: 1) pleasant staff, 2) quick accommodation and 3) clean restaurant and bar. I’d likely go in again for a quick cold beverage when the neighboring bars were overcrowded, and I’d wearily attempt another dining experience, but I’d definitely pass on the cheese curds.

This is a nice place. It looks good and the people are very nice.
I don’t like the food. I think it’s mediocre at best. I’ve been there 2 times and I just really have no desire to go back. If I had friends that were going, I may go. I just have had a lot better.
overall, they are okay. I guess it just depends what you like. It’s not bad food by any means, it’s just not great.

I LOVE Cab’s. It’s right across the street from Fire + Wine, or Flour + Wine, whatever that place is calling itself these days. And there is ALWAYS people waiting outside for that place. And I have no idea why, because the menu at Cab’s is SO MUCH BETTER. Maybe it’s not as family friendly. But their menu is diverse and amazing. Maybe that’s it, maybe people only want to eat boring foods like you can find across the street and Fire/​Flour + Wine. At Cab’s, I’ve had the tacos, the cheese plates, the flatbread, one of the seafood dishes and have never been disappointed. The bread and spread they serve when you are seated is delicious. Great wine list too.
I like the ambiance of this place. The décor is unique like the menu.
We’ve always had great service here. I’m surprised to see reviews that the service wasn’t good. I’ve honestly never ever had this issue, even on weekends during busier times. Truly. Try Cab’s. I hope you like it.

Everything was perfect. Our waitress, Katie, was delightful and incredibly helpful. The food was outstanding. In fact at one point my wife actually said «I don’t want this meal to end.» She had the walnut and lentil burger, which, as a certified carnivore, I have to admit was delicious. My grilled seafood combo was also delicious and just enough to fill me up. It comes with a delicious sauce and mashed potatoes that pair well. The décor is funky, eclectic, shabby, classy although I understand a remodel is coming soon. Highly recommended.

POOR service. Very awkward and disjointed except for the bussing staff-​was excellent other than an empty beer bottle and glass that sat in the middle of the table the entire visit.
Was asked what we ordered for appetizers FOUR separate times about 30 minutes after initially ordering them. A table seated across from us ordered much later than we did and was served much before we were — just plain BAD!
Food was great but they should place a bread basket on the table rather than serving individual pieces.
Why include a section on their website for reservations for a «special occasion» and then make no effort to at least greet a member of our party happy birthday when it is obvious that is the occasion (i.e. gifts and cards on the table) AND I noted that on the reservation.
Cab’s charges for high end prices but our experience with the service is comparable to a visit at a low performing McDonald’s.
We will NOT be back.

I had looked forward to dining at Cab’s for quite some time and finally had the opportunity last night. It was disappointing. I’m not going to belabor the point and wax eloquent but here are the reasons:
1) We made on-​line reservations, had an e-​mail confirmation but they had no record. Not a big deal, the staff rolled with it and accommodated our party of six.
2) Took 15 minutes to get our first round of drinks.
3) Took 50 minutes to receive our entrees after finishing our apps.
4) I found the grilled brie lacked flavor and there was no apricot sauce or almonds that I could detect.
5) I ordered the grilled Scottish Salmon ($ 24) that came with grilled asparagus, portobello and spinach on a bed of rice. Although the salmon was good it was just warm, not hot, and all of the accompaniments were colder in temperature as well. The asparagus was cold. I mentioned to the server that my meal was barely warm and obviously sat a while. Here response, «I’m sorry. Actually, it didn’t sit but I’m happy to have it put under the warmer for a couple of minutes.» I said I didn’t want to wait a half hour to get my entrée back.
6) We wrap up our meal and she asks if anyone wants dessert. Everyone was full and declined. When it comes time for the check, she says she was sorry that my meal was cold and that the house would like to buy us dessert. Hmmm, nice gesture but we already stated that we were full.
7) Finally, the owner/​manager who was walking around hugging & kissing the regulars never came by to ask how our meal was. She was too busy schmoozing everyone else. So be it, but a quick visit to our table to see why one of your diners was disappointed would have resulted in a nice «save».
Poor service, cold food and a questionable price-​to-​value ratio means I probably won’t be back anytime soon.

Cab’s wasn’t where I intended to go with family. But far from being a second choice, Cab’s is a go-​to destination in Glen Ellyn.
Our group had quite a few things. We ordered grilled brie with apricot sauce. Because grilling cheese is a thing, I guess? Happily, the brie was soft, and the sweet sauce went perfect with mild flavor of the brie. A crunchy almond topping helped provide some more variety to the appetizer.
I ordered a lamb burger, medium, on the premise that lamb is healthier than beef. (I really doubt that it is.) I should eat lamb more often; it *was* lighter than the beef overall, yet still very flavorful. The onion marmalade contributed a bit of sweetness, while the arugula contributed earthiness. It’s topped with a Vermont feta, I believe, which provides creaminess in lieu of mayo. The burger runs $ 14, and this one was worth every cent.
On the side were the best sweet potato french fries I’ve ever had, largely on the strength of being lightly breaded in a thin batter that had hints of cinnamon sugar in it. This was a great idea, and went really well with the burger.
For dessert we all split a cheesecake, served with an ice cream scoop-​sized amount of freshly whipped cream. I think some raspberry sauce was poured all over it. The texture of the cheesecake was a hit; much lighter than your usual Chicago-​style cheesecake, not at all dense.
Considering that my stomach was about to explode, I appreciated this.
Cab’s is a great destination for a nice date, without completely bankrupting you. The food looks good, the flavors are distinct and well thought-​out, and the textures are spot-​on. I couldn’t be happier, and would enjoy a return visit.

We came here several times, ordering the same thing, during the summer of 2013. The food was pretty good, especially the amount you got on the Happy Hour Tapas specials. The crab cakes were surprisingly large, the paella was oversalted the first time so we asked them the next time to go light on the salt — the portion was quite large (as paellas are supposed to be), drinks were good.
This month was the first time I decided to order carryout. When I called in, the person who answered wasn’t the friendliest person on the phone (as though I was holding her back from doing something more important). I ordered the «usual» — 2 happy hour tapas crab cakes, 1 order of the tuna tartar, paella easy on salt, and this time ordered the Lentil Walnut Veggie burger.
The crab cakes were a ¹⁄₃ of the size of the ones we got when we actually ate at the location! It was unbelievably insulting. The paella was half the size as well. It also had no mention of having sausage in it on the menu and there I was, staring at a few pieces. The burger came with soggy «fries.»
I only went through half the order and called them back to note the size discrepancy. The waitress insisted it’s all the same size and the tapas are the happy hour size. I reassured her that we’ve ordered the EXACT same thing all summer long and I know what size everything comes in. She kept insisting that I was incorrect and she doesn’t know what to tell me… great customer service there. Yes, I’m wrong, although I only come to your location for those items. You are right… because you apparently don’t want my money ever again. Thanks for being so helpful!
Decent food, not worth the attitude you may get.

Cute little place.
Food and drinks weren’t anything better than I could make at home but maybe we should try the dinner menu and not just desserts.

I met my mother here for dinner at 5pm on a Thursday evening. No wait! Coming from Chicago where there’s a wait for *everything*, it was a pleasant change. Mama and I got a seat right next to the window so we could enjoy the beautiful weather. Apparently, there’s live music also. I’m glad we escaped before it started. Cabs is a small place, and those speakers are powerful. Normal dinner conversation would have been overwhelmed very easily.
Cabs offers 5 $ happy hour small plates– and my newly-​Paleo mother and I ravaged it. WooHoo, MEAT!
We ordered:
* Blueberry-​BBQ Short Ribs– Ooo, saucy. Just. Awesome.
* Australian Lamb Chop– served with red pepper sauce.
* Gazpacho w/​Shrimp & Croûton– one shrimp per cup. But in its defense, it *does* use the singular.
* Tuna Tartare– okay, maybe not so delicious. Served on slightly oily fried tortillas.
In addition to the small plates, we each ordered an entrée. (The same entrée, but with different cheeses.) In a show of solidarity with my mom and her new diet restrictions, I chose a (bunless) «Hanger» burger: Grilled & Topped with Onion Marmalade, Bacon, Arugula, and Cheddar Cheese and asked for the sweet potato fries. Cooked as rare as they would let me have it, the burger was satisfying. The sweet potato fries came out hot enough to burn my face as I tried to stuff myself with them, which I actually consider a good thing. Lo and Behold, they’re gluten free as well! (Honestly, a little disappointing: I’d intended to «volunteer» to eat my mother’s fries.) They were tossed in a lightly salty spice blend before being served.
My *only* little gripe with the dinner was my drink– I ordered a Whiskey Old-​Fashioned. It came with crushed ice. Yeah… first world problems. Mom, on the other hand, loved her Hirschbach Sohne Riesling.
For anyone trying to be low-​cal, gluten-​free, Paleo, or any of the recent permutations of the newest «it» diet… Cab’s will accommodate you. Go there. Eat food. Be happy.