Open List Home >> Chapel Hill, NC >> Restaurants & Food >> Restaurants >> Elaines On Franklin
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Best view in Chapel Hill, serving microbrew beer and New American Menu
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Elaine's On Franklin is a four star restaurant in Chapel Hill. Here's a place to get good food. This is a moderately priced restaurant. It's known for its contemporary offerings. It's been awarded the Best of Special Occasion Dining and Best of Upscale Casual Dining awards. Know before you go: this place features a perfect venue for special occasions. Upon entering the restaurant, you'll find a romantic atmosphere. This place features a full bar and fine wines. Diners found the food amazing.
Elaine's, opened in 1999 on West Franklin Street, offers upscale regional American cuisine for dinner five nights a week. At Elaine's, Chef Bret Jennings has produced a menu with a signature culinary style of sophistication and farmer's market freshness that is much more than a shotgun marriage: it is sublime alchemy that has regional food critics and diners equally shaken and stirred. Choose from choices like the grilled Colorado bison N.Y. strip with honey-lavender butter, Vidalia onions, potatoes, spinach and coriander jus or the smoked Canada goose breast salad with John's Arugula, Roquefort, walnuts and red wine plumped cherries. A delicious dessert menu and extensive wine selection are complements to every meal.
5.0 of 5 stars.
Wowowz.Went with a friend during a business visit to Chapel Hill / surrounding area. Quite possibly the best business expensed meal I have had to date. Had intentions to wander Franklin the night of...
yelp.com - user review - 10/14/2009
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I went to Elaine with a friend after reading the Yelp review. However, I was very disappointed. The inside was a little bit too dark. I'm not sure you can even see the food there. Decor was okie....
yelp.com - user review - 08/22/2009
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we've been in Chapel Hill for 5 years and had been looking forward to going here ever since. the service and atmosphere were fine. the actual food was awful! most of the meal was oversalted and my husband had some pork tenderloin/asian fusion dish that was just horrible - tasteless, over cooked, looked terrible, too. Quite a disappointment.
openlist - user review - 08/22/2009
5.0 of 5 stars.
Enjoyed the Mother's Day brunch! The fiddlehead fern bisque was a nice complementary starter. The texture and flavors of the Virginia Fluke Mexican Crudo were excellent. A nice twist on a ceviche type...
yelp.com - user review - 06/30/2009
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I do not understand all the hoopla about this place. The meals were over priced, servings were small, and the worst part was that after waiting forever, the entrees were cold when they reached the table. Won't...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/08/2009
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1.0 of 5 stars.
Could not agree more with Andrew B. I wrote a similar review after visiting Elaine's (like Andrew, based on the glowing reviews here) but it was eventually removed for unknown reasons. In short:...
yelp.com - user review - 02/28/2009
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2.0 of 5 stars.
My wife and I were expecting something special, after reading all the glowing reviews here. The waitstaff was attentive, although we were given a very small table in the thoroughfare on a quiet...
yelp.com - user review - 02/26/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We went here on my 30th birthday...we got to sit by the window and my husband had the menu custom-designed for me with a birthday greeting. Customer service was EXCELLENT. I've never seen better in...
yelp.com - user review - 02/16/2009
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5.0 of 5 stars.
To begin with, my meal at Elaine's was excellent. I ordered the smoked turkey with an orange cranberry relish, and it was delicious. The turkey was perfectly cooked and tasted great. The relish that...
yelp.com - user review - 10/23/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
We celebrated our Anniversary here and were blown away. The food was spectacular, the service attentive and informed, and the setting (sitting in the front window on Franklin Street) scenic.Our only...
yelp.com - user review - 07/18/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I have a natural aversion to giving perfect scores to something I've only experienced once, but honestly I can't think of a good reason not to do so with Elaine's.I came here with an ex-girlfriend for...
yelp.com - user review - 07/17/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Had a spectacular meal here on Saturday night. The food was fantastic - the bread by the new pastry chef, the heirloom tomato starter, the "beef oscar" and the NC shrimp entrees - all were...
yelp.com - user review - 07/13/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I made the mistake of going out on a blind date. I made the mistake of ordering a whole fish from Elaine's on said blind date. Luckily, I can at least say I did not make a mistake in choosing a great...
yelp.com - user review - 06/25/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Elegant with eclectic hues, Elaine's has a welcoming aura for all age groups & styles. This isn't necessarily a "jacket required" establishment because I've seen people with casual shorts and a...
yelp.com - user review - 06/21/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Elaine's is probably the best food I've had in Chapel Hill. The menu here changes everyday depending on what the chef is preparing, so you can always find something new here- think American food with...
yelp.com - user review - 06/18/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Request the CHOCOLATE cake with PASSION FRUIT sorbet. It's not supposed to go together but its delicious. I definitely suggest taking the time to meet the people who work there. Its an incredible...
yelp.com - user review - 06/13/2008
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We celebrated our wedding anniversary at Elaine's and left disappointed. First off, the service we received was great. And our appetizer, soft shell crab, was quite delicious. However, the entrees were a...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/15/2008
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My husband took me to eat here for my birthday last night. The food was prepared beautifully, with really fresh and seasonal ingredients. The dining space was warm and comfortable. Our server, Carol, was a...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/02/2008
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We went here based on the great reviews but we weren't very impressed. My salad was very plain and not very flavorful. The feta cheese in the description was almost non-existent. on my salad. My husbands...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/21/2008
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We went here based on the great reviews but we weren't very impressed. My salad was very plain and not very flavorful. The feta cheese in the description was almost non-existent. on my salad. My husbands...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/21/2008
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I'm writing to tell the world how great my first meal at Elaine's was. My girlfriend and I were greeted warmly and taken to a lovely table which was elevated slightly, and in an alcove next to window looking...
citysearch.com - user review - 03/19/2008
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4.0 of 5 stars.
Its really more like a 4.5 star rating. this was definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the durham/chapel hill area. i would definitely return and recommend it to others.my husband and i went...
yelp.com - user review - 03/01/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Went to Elaine's for my birthday dinner. The restaurant is somewhat darkly lit in the evening, so it's nice for romantic evening. Elegantly decorated dining room alongside some interesting art on...
yelp.com - user review - 01/18/2008
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5.0 of 5 stars.
I had so many lovely meals at Elaine's during my 2-year stint in Chapel Hill....but one stands out as one of the best meals I have every consumed, anywhere. This was prior to my vegetarian days, and...
yelp.com - user review - 01/09/2008
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I was finally able to eat at Elaine's on Franklin last night and it surpassed all expectations. My husband and I found the service staff extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and the food was just exquisite....
citysearch.com - user review - 12/06/2007
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This is my third time at Elaine's since it opened, and by far my most disappointing. First off, the hostess looked simply untidy in baggy pants, faded shirt and large phone hanging out of her back pocket and...
citysearch.com - user review - 11/03/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The food here and service are simply amazing. Fine dining at its best. I think I've come to understand the southern minimalist mentality. There's not much emphasis on extravagant decor, the quality of...
yelp.com - user review - 10/26/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
The food here was as memorable and delicious as anything I've eaten in restaurants in NY and San Francisco. Seriously, I haven't eaten anywhere better in the last 5 years. The ambiance and service,...
yelp.com - user review - 09/25/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Brett Jennings and staff: Thank You! The food is amazing, the service is friendly and the spaces feels special. Some of the tables and chairs are better for "smaller people" and not someone 6'3" and...
yelp.com - user review - 08/27/2007
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Just had to write about a meal I had last night at Elaine's. I've eaten there a number of times, and always enjoyed it, but this meal blew me away. I started with a foie gras 'blt', which sounds a bit strange...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/21/2007
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5.0 of 5 stars.
My favorite special occasion restaurant in Chapel Hill. They use fresh, local ingredients. Their menu rotates with the seasons, but usually has a fish dish or two, beef, chicken, pork, etc. The salads...
yelp.com - user review - 04/25/2007
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3.0 of 5 stars.
I wish I could give this a 3 1/2. Because the decor was lovely and our waiter was possibly the best server I've ever encountered - intellingent, attentive, professional. However, for the prices, the...
yelp.com - user review - 03/13/2007
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Elaine's is one of the few restaurants in Chapel Hill that seems to care about fresh ingredients. The food is consistently good, with interesting specials offered and a nice wine selection.
citysearch.com - user review - 01/15/2007
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I really like eating at Elaine's - that being said, I don't recall any really memorable dishes, but I DO know that everything I've eaten there has been really fresh and tasty. I'm happy coming here when I want...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/28/2006
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I'm shocked to see any negative reviews of the service at Elaine's. I personally have always found the service to be outstanding in my many visits. The style of service is friendly, but professional. Just last...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/07/2006
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I'm shocked to see any negative reviews of the service at Elaine's. I personally have always found the service to be outstanding in my many visits. The style of service is friendly, but professional. Just last...
citysearch.com - user review - 12/07/2006
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I was very disappointed. After making reservations one week prior to our dinner we were served our meal one hour and fifteen minutes after our reservation time. Every table around us was complaining b...
judysbook.com - user review - 10/16/2006
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my first experience at Elaine's was wonderful, the service was less than friendly, but the food was delicious. i decided to throw my friend's birthday dinner there. all five of our guests are in the service...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/06/2006
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My table of 6 was mainly satisfied with their food, if not blown away, but the service was spotty at best and ended with just a bad attitude when we had an issue with the bill (we were double charged for...
citysearch.com - user review - 10/02/2006
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Chef Jennings is amazing. He understands food on a level I aspire to. They have fois gras nightly which is always a plus for me. I am a regular diner there. The parking is the only negative but it is worth the...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/16/2006
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There are lots of good restaurants in the Triangle, but Elaine's is my favorite. It's small, with great service, and amazing food. We love how the menu changes constantly, and how they always give us a small...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/19/2006
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Great food, unbeliavable poor service, we did not receive proper attention from server, manager had to make up for gaps
citysearch.com - user review - 05/19/2006
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This small restaurant surprised us. It had a NYC feel to the southern charm. They had a good wine list for the area. The food presentation and quality was very good. The service was also top notch.
citysearch.com - user review - 04/16/2006
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I LOVED my experience at Elaine's - I'm still dreaming of the meal I had there. For dinner: roast pork loin on top of a sweet potato waffle, with wilted greens topped with pecans and a sweet balsamic dressing....
citysearch.com - user review - 03/03/2006
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Tables are a bit close and if you are at a 2-top next to the wall separating dining from the bar, you will be hitting your elbow on it. Not a good spot for a quiet, intimate, romantic interlude. Those are the...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/18/2006
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5.0 of 5 stars.
Elaine's has an exquisite menu and a maturely charming but not overly formal dining environment. Delicious fare all around. Can be difficult to get in since the seating is limited. It is best to make...
yelp.com - user review - 01/03/2006
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Elaines is located on Franklin St in Chapel Hill. The food was very good. The service was very good. Nice atmosphere as well. The only negative is that it is expensive.PROS: good foodCONS: expensive
citysearch.com - user review - 09/07/2005
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Elaines is located on Franklin St in Chapel Hill. The food was very good. The service was very good. Nice atmosphere as well. The only negative is that it is expensive. PROS: good food CONS: expensive
citysearch.com - user review - 09/07/2005
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The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Elaine's is how small the eatery is. Now don't get me wrong, I really enjoy eating here, there is just not much extra room. Located on Franklin ...
judysbook.com - user review - 09/02/2005
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Elaine's is a wonderful resteraunt with incredible food matched with incredible service. Our first experience there was on our wedding anniversary and it couldn't have been more pleasant. The food i...
judysbook.com - user review - 08/17/2005
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Finally went to Elaine's after hearing about it from friends for a long time and it definitely lived up to all the accolades. True, it was a bit noisy, but who says that upscale dining has to be like a wake?...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/01/2004
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Elaine's provides an eclectic, enjoyable dining experience. Our server was wonderful -- prompt, well-versed in the menu and matching the appropriate wine, attentive, but unobtrusive. The food was excellent,...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/19/2004
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Elaine's provides an eclectic, enjoyable dining experience. Our server was wonderful -- prompt, well-versed in the menu and matching the appropriate wine, attentive, but unobtrusive. The food was excellent,...
citysearch.com - user review - 04/19/2004
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After 4 years, and what seems like hundreds of restaurants ranging from Hector's to the Fearrington, Elaine's is by far the best. The service (Thad - sorry if I spelled it wrong, Audrey, and Bret especially)...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/15/2003
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I went to Elaine's with some friends and I really like it. I had the scallops and the roasted chicken and both were wonderful. The bread is also wonderful and fresh. They have a great drink menu and when I...
citysearch.com - user review - 05/19/2003
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The food is always delicious. I'm from Chicago and Elaine's could easily compete with the Windy City's finest restaurants. The wine selection is extensive and the wait staff is wonderful at pairing -- they...
citysearch.com - user review - 02/26/2003
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My husband and I celebrated our first anniversary by dining at Elaine's, and we weren't disappointed! The menu offered a wide selection of creative entrees, and the wine list was extensive and wide-ranging in...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/23/2002
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I love the food at Elaine's, and the bar and service are also both the best I've seen. The atmosphere is hip and trendy, and that's not my favorite. It's also really loud and crowded. But if you like that sort...
citysearch.com - user review - 08/08/2002
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I took my husband there for his birthday, and we had one of the best meals of our lives! We have been to some amazing restaurants in the past few years, and this definitely ranks among the best!
citysearch.com - user review - 07/26/2002
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I was at Elaine's the other night, enjoying a fabulous meal with some friends. First of all the food was unreal. I had Bison (first time ever!) and was very impressed with the presentation and the succulence...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/25/2002
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The menu featured local ingredients fresh from that mornings farmers market. The food was amazing and the ambiance nice, but comfortable. I would recommend the restraunt for anyone wanting a top notch meal...
citysearch.com - user review - 07/20/2002
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This classy bistro ranks as one of the top four restaurants in the triangle. With our vacation in Europe just behind us, we were absolutely delighted to find that our dining experiences here held up...
citysearch.com - user review - 06/23/2002
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If you want a quiet atmosphere this is not the place to go. Elaine's is lively and fun. The food is fantastic. I had the soft shell crab and it was better than the crab I had in some of NYC's best restaurants....
citysearch.com - user review - 06/08/2002
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Virginia native Bret Jennings grew up eating "angel biscuits" (buttermilk biscuits), country ham with red-eye gravy, and fresh tomato sandwiches. Busboy, waiter, caterer, Jennings worked himself up to the top....
frommers.com - user review
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Chef/owner Bret Jennings brings you authentic regional world cuisine made with only the finest local, organic ingredients, presented in an elegant, but not pretentious environment. With menu changes almost...
opentable.com - user review
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find international twists on southern favorites...
cityguide.aol.com - user review
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i've been to many restaurants from new orleans, new york, chicago, san francisco, lots of different types of cuisines. and the 2 times i've been to elaines were the tops, none better. give it a try for a nice...
cityguide.aol.com - user review
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vibrant paintings of oversized fruits and vegetables hung on rag-rolled periwinkle blue walls set a vibrant, trendy-casual mood in elaineis intimately-scaled dining room and bar. thatis a suitable setting for...
gayot.com - user review
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