mmilanam's Profile
Best Old School Beer Garden?
A couple of places come to mind:
- John Barleycorn (Lincoln Park) - I know it's packed with the young 20-something crown on the weekends, but it has a really nice outdoor space and is not that crowded post-work and during the day on the weekend.
- Uberstein (Wrigleyville) - Also packed on the Cubs game days, but they definitely have pretzels and an outdoor space.
Casual Seafood in NW DC this weekend
Hello,
I used to live in the area and I'm coming back into town for a long weekend and basketball game. We're staying in the Georgetown area. I have reservations for french bistro one night and brunch at Cylde's another day.
I'm looking for a couple, relatively casual, seafood recommendations. Any ideas?
Thank you!!!
Eating in Lakeview Neighborhood
I have had some nice dinner at Socca (on Clark @ Aldine). Yoshi's is also a favorite of mine (on Halsted @Aldine). Both are in the heart of the city and you should be able to have a conversation just fine. (My parents like both and they don't do well when the tables are stacked right next to each other and people are loud.)
Also, further west in Lakeview, Fiorentino's is good Italian. It gets mixed reviews, but I've loved everything I get. It's on Ashland @George
High End Chicago Market?
Fox and Obel is good. The last time I was there they have free parking if you spend $20 or more.
Another option is a very good Italian small market in the South Loop - called Pazozzo's Italian Market
If you're looking for a upscale butcher, try Paulina (Lakeview) or Gepperth's Market (Lincoln Park)
For seafood, I think your best bet is to go to the meat packing area and buy direct, I like Isaacson & Stein on Fulton.
Looking for good restaurant for son's 16th BDay
How about Tavern on Rush? The food is good, not awesome, but the people watching is. You'll be in the heart of the Gold Coast and will be able to easily walk around from there.
If not there, Harry Carry's does a good steak (dry aged the last time I checked) and you should be able to be within your price range. (Another option that would enable you to walk around downtown after dinner.)
If you're looking for something more local/off the beaten path - Chicago Firehouse was excellent the last time I was there. It's more formal, but not too expensive for steak. It's in the South Loop and is old school Chicago.
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Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant
1401 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Gold Coast Cafe
1112 N State St, Chicago, IL 60610
What's the best restaurant in Old Town?
Another option is Marge's Still on Sedwick at Menomonee. It's a bar, but I think they have very good food and a nice pub/old school wooden feel.
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Marge's Still
1758 N Sedgwick St, Chicago, IL 60614
Local place to buy chocolate mint candy?
Give Michael a call at Canady Le Chocolatier. They have locations in the South Loop and the French Market. He might have them or be willing to make them.
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French Market Cafe
1973 W 111th St, Chicago, IL 60643
favorite byob places
I'm not familiar with the suburbs, but these are my favorites in the northside. (Trying to keep it closer to you):
- Duck Walk - on Belmont in Lakeview; Thai; casual and small, but good
- Mixteco - Mexican, mole sauce is the best I've ever had
- Caro Mio - wonderful Italian in Ravenswood area
- Mytho's Tavern - on Montrose, not really sure what the neighborhood is called, get the Pastichio
- Addesso - on Broadway in Lakeview, Italian, also good for brunch
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Duck Walk
919 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657
Easter brunch suggestions in chicago
I have two favorites:
- The Signature Room in the John Hancock building. It's a nice mix of dressy and kid friendly. (i.e. People are dressed up but it's buffet and, if I remember correctly, there is someone dressed up as an Easter bunny giving out eggs to the kids)
- Yoshi's Cafe - sit down, order your own meal, but it's good and more than just your standard brunch
Spicy ice cream in Chicago?
Check out Windy City. It's not close to you - it's in Lakeview - but their icecream is good and they experiment with their flavors. Give them a call in advance and see if they have anything that fits the bill.
www.windycitysweets.com
DINNER FOR 90!
Check out Quartino's. Of the italian restuarants that can accomodate large groups, I like it the best. They make some of their own pasta, make their own lemoncello, and have $20 bottle of wine specials (also sell by the liter).
http://www.quartinochicago.com/private.html
Looking for a great cupcake place in Chicago!
Molly's is great. I like how you can mix and match your own cupcake flavor and icing. (Not everyone wants cream cheese frosting on a red velvet cupcake!) There is seating, which is nice too.
Sweet Mandy B's is one of the original cupcake places in Chicago.
Twisted Sister Bakery in Old Town is also great.
Relocating to Chicago, foodie seeks real estate advice!
I think each person will vote for their own neighborhood, but I'd recommend Lakeview; somewhere between Roscoe and Diversey and east of Halsted. Lots of buses in the area and the Belmont stop of the El is relatively close.
It's right on the lakefront and will keep you busy food-wise for a while. There are two boutique wine stores (Gourmet Grape and Kafke) and lots of BYOBs. You will also have a lot of ethnic food options ranging from sushi, Indian, Thai, Italian, Mexican and Turkish.
House of Fine Chocolates is one of my favorite bakeries in the city. The Bagel is a Jewish deli with great bagels next door to the bakery.
There is a little farmers' market in the Nettlehorst school playground during the summer.
I'll let you explore the dive pubs (there are a ton), but I recommend Wilde for a gastro pub.
The challenge is the non-chain coffee shop...but 6 out of 7 within walking distance isn't bad!
Sprout?
Hello!
Has anyone been to Sprout yet? It's the new bistro on Fullerton. Dale Levitski from Top Chef is one of the chefs.
I'd love to hear a review if anyone has been yet.
Thanks!
Best Happy Hour?
I recently went to the bar in the Felix hotel. They had a special that if you sit at the bar and order a drink , you can order one of four food options for $5. It was REALLY good and nice surpise for a relatively posh location. The food was a good portion and my options included BBQ pizza, pork tacos (pulled pork topped with cheese in a metal pot/dish and served with homemade tortillas) and a grilled chicken sandwich.
Chicago Restaurant Week - February 19-28, 2010
I'm looking at the Merlo on Maple and Chicago Firehouse menus. They look great! Any other menus stand out to anyone?
Chocolate-covered Potato Chips?
Canady Le Chocolatier makes them. They're in the south loop; 824 S Wabash.
Lakeview suggestions?
Bakeries:
- Bittersweet
- House of Fine Chocolate
- The Bagel - not a bakery...but great bagel and a fun stop
Grocers:
There really aren't any expensive ones in the area, but there is a new Whole Foods on Halsted south of Addison and a Treasure Island on Broadway north of Addison
General Inexpensive options:
- Ann Sathers - Swedish, classic Chicago venue, amazing cinnamon rolls
- Thai Classic or Joy's - BYOB thai spots
- Mama Desta's Red Sea - BYOB Ethiopian restaurant
- Wally & Agador's - fancy sandwichs (approx $9), but really good
Hope this helps!
French Onion Soup - Chicago
How about Bistro Margot in Old Town or Mon Ami Gabi in Lincoln Park? Both very good.
Have lots of wine...need new BYOB ideas...
I don't know of any in Old Town, but here are some favorites of mine:
Thai Classic on Clark, near Buckingham is great Thai food.
Toro Sushi on Clark, near Wrightwood is my favorite casual sushi.
Tango Sur on Southport, north of Addison is South American/steaks.
Think is a wonderful option but isn't close to the El.
Izumi Sushi is another option (BYO Wine only, they sell beer and saki)
Terragusto is very good Italian and they now have two locations close to the El.
Soho - Lunch
Hello!
Former Manhattan Chowhounder, going to be back in town next weekend and I took Friday off from work to shop/hangout with a couple friends. I'd like to have lunch somewhere in Soho. Are there any new/fun places with outdoor seating? (New, as in the last 12 months) I'd like to be in the West Broadway area. We're open to different types of food and would like a leasurely lunch with a nice bottle of wine.
Thanks!
- Megan
Comments on Kuma's Corner
I've been there a few times and I've sent many friends there. I love it and have never heard a bad review. Ther burgers are great (my recommendation is the one topped with bacon and pulled pork) and the mac and cheese is a must order. I've heard that the non-burger items on the menu are also very good, but I've never strayed.
Outdoor Private Party Venue Suggestions
For a more casual outdoor venue, I recommend checking out Zella in Lincoln Park. They have a large outdoor place and I know they do private parties.
One Turkish meal in Chicago - which should I choose?
I haven't been, but I've heard great things about Cafe Orchid. It's also BYOB.
Chicago Happy Hour!!!
I recommend going to Sidebar. The food is ok, but the specials are well priced:
http://www.sidebargrille.com/
Non-Romantic Valentine's Day Dinner
Hello All,
My girl friends have all broken up with their boyfriends in the last two weeks. (It's been interesting) They're looking to me to find a fun/good food/non-romantic place for dinner. I'm at a loss. Does anyone have any suggestions?
I'd like to the following:
- Lincoln Park, Old Town, River North, Bucktown/Wicker Park location
- Full bar (cocktails will be a must)
- Not a romantic decor
- I'd like to avoid a pre-fix menu, if possible
- Great food - It doesn't have to be fancy, but I'd like the pasta be homemade if we're going Italian, the steak to be dry aged if we're going steak, etc
Thanks!
- Megan
Best and Worst Places I ate at in Chicagoland in 2008
The Best:
- Sweets and Savories - amazing and the pre-fix menu was a great deal
- Old Town Brassiere - that duck consomme is the best I've ever had; I'm still craving it
- Perennial - cocktails and apps in the lounge; stone crab, truffle risotto, and seared veal breast...wow! And Jason, the bartender knows how to make a great manhattan.
The Worst:
- Publican - I'm still upset about the "Country Rib"
- Tango Sur - blood sausage...it's probably my fault that I ordered it though, the rest of the meal was fine
