Heaven on Seven in Naperville

Is it just me, or is anyone else out there just totally UNIMPRESSED with Heaven on Seven, the one in Naperville.

We were there twice and on the first occassion, the crust on our pie was as hard as a rock, inedible and on the second occasion, our crab po'boy was RAW....

I have passed by the place a couple of times on the weekend and it has not been crowded at all....What's going on Jimmy, the place used to be good.....

Hmm, I had a serviceable lunch there last month, and had heard good things from others here. I keep intending to go back for lunch again, but have been called away by the steak sandwich at Tango, and the delightful offerings of the Olive Branch.

I will go back, though. My impression was that they did the best cajun and creole standards around these parts, but your issues, particularly the uncooked crab, sound like a kitchen with some issues.

Will report on my next visit.

I haven't been to Ho7 in a few months but the 3 times I have eaten there, the food was great, good spice and prepared well. As far as not being busy, there is getting to be a LOT of restaurant competition in downtown Naperville and the parking, especially around Ho7 is terrible. At least over where Hugo's opened, there a few lots and a deck nearby.

Kevin,

I, like you, have been unimpressed by the HO7 in N'ville. I would agree with Dickson's opinion of a struggling kitchen.

I did go for lunch last week and had quite a serviceable gumbo, followed by some very good fried oysters. On the other hand, on my previous visit I ordered the tater tots with creole ketchup, and the server informed me there was no such thing as creoled ketchup. But they were doing a good lunch business and my companions seemed quite satisfied with their meals.

Not great, but not bad when I have a cajun jones.

And now for a strange, but true. One of our party has food allergies and was quizzing the help on what was in each of the dishes. Turns out there is MSG in almost everything there. They include it in their basic cajun spice mix. Not a biggie for me, but surprising.

How is the gumbo compared to the original Ho7?

I've tried it at the location near wrigley and also the one near the movie theatre downtown.. but they both are slightly different tasting to me.

I have eaten at Heaven on Seven in Naperville a few times. The reason I'm not racing to go back has to do more with the design of the place than the food. It has been very busy any weekend evening that I have gone. The line forming in the entry crowds up to the bar and the hostess area. as you walk to your table, servers have to step aside with large trays to let patrons pass. I always feel sorry for the servers when I see the gymnastics they go through to deliver meals. For me, it is too loud and crowded. Once we were seated in the back, next to the kitchen and bathrooms and it was impossible to talk.
I have had the opportunity to share an evening with Jimmy at a book signing I worked with him. I enjoyed his company and wish him well. I think he needs more space at this location. I would like to see them buy out one of the next door locations and redesign the flow of the place. I will eat here again, but not for a weekend dinner.