Category: Hot Picks

Go ahead and take a double look at this latest Streeterville addition! While you may not find Jack and Larry brooding over a brew about Greedy Gretchen (or plotting their next sexcapade with a pair of Swedish flight attendants!), what you will find is a very retro 70's and 80's themed neighborhood lounge, complete with wood paneled walls, DJs pumping out music of the heyday and even kitschy commercials on the tube! The sitcom snappies on the walls and the fondue on the menu add to the theme, yet the owners somehow worked the nostalgia in with just the right amount of contemporary flair to keep their patrons' minds from going into overload.

This place is really happening after work, as many folks wandering out after a brutal day at the office are more than ready to let their hair down. Sitcom sing alongs tend to spontaneously break out, allowing 20- to 40- somethings to leave the seriousness behind and become fun and silly. Bar height tables and lounge seating around a roaring fire make it a great spot for starting the night off downtown with a new companion, with top notch bar staff at the ready to mix up anything your heart desires.

While not exactly the sort of place for having a sit down meal, the traditional bar grub available is more than ample for whetting appetites before heading out to the main events. Stick with the theme and go with the fondue, or try the Jamaican Jerk served in a hollowed out pineapple! Since the area is not very car friendly, cab it for the night! Take in a performance in the nearby theatre district, go shopping along the Mag mile or take a quiet walk through Millennium Park when the tourists have all but gone.

The only retro on the sans menu are the leisure suits and Members Only jackets - leave those back in the closet, please! And that goes for you too, Mr. Furley! If the Disco Gods are indeed merciful, they will never make a comeback!

The Double Door gets its name from the two entrances it has (the main on Damen, the other on Milwaukee) and By far, this is probably the best place to catch a small show in Chicago! They feature promising up and comers all the way up to the likes of the Rolling Stones, and therefore is undoubtedly a highly sought after venue by local acts and traveling musicians alike.

Due to its direct proximity to the Blue Line train and tons of great hangouts just steps away, folks tend to pack this intimate venue on Friday and Saturday nights no matter who's on the bill. The stage is decently elevated, allowing just about everyone to catch a good view of the bands no matter where they happen to hang out, and the long bar allows for the drinks to pour without missing a beat. Even on extremely crowded nights, folks can find an escape by hitting the smaller bar downstairs below the stage, and is where the bands tend to congregate after their gigs.

What's nice about The Double Door is the large variety of acts they book, offering up an eclectic mix of music that attracts folks from all corners, be it Alternative or Metal, Hip Hop or Funk, and just about anything else folks could want to hear. The scene is dark and gritty, which most people find to be the perfect element for concert going, leaving the pompous arenas to eat their dust.

Concert goes should take note that parking in the vicinity can be pretty hard to come by at night, especially on the weekends. Also the traffic in that immediate area can get really tight, due to folks bar hopping and darting in and out of traffic. So do like the locals do and either hoof it a few blocks or take advantage of the all night train running overhead! Folks driving in just need to be wary of the permit only parking on many of the side streets to avoid getting ticketed or towed.

Looking to take in a night of classic Italian food and follow it up with the best mixed drinks in town? Want it all wrapped up in a swanky supper club lounge that The Chairman would approve of? Then head to Club Lucky - serving up the absolute best martinis in town, right alongside some wonderful food at gastronomical portions!

Located off the area's main streets, this former speak easy embraces its heyday by keeping it real, mixing up fantastic concoctions like their Killer Martinis, garnished with either bleu cheese or anchovy stuffed olives made right there at home. This noisy, dimly lit 50's era establishment would make Tony Soprano proud, and is just as welcoming to the eclectic locals and politicians alike. While the upbeat scene may make some folks wary of pushy, in and out service, they can be rest assured knowing that taking their time to enjoy their drinks with pleasant company is perfectly fine.

For those deciding to go ahead and order up some food, the Sicilian menu is sure to please. The grilled calamari always needs to be boxed up due to its large servings, but comes in at a close second to their pasta, steaks and chops. The d?cor begs folks to enjoy twirling that enormous plate of spaghetti they offer, complimented of course with a nice Chianti as the likes of Sinatra croon through the air. And yes, heavenly tiramisu is featured on their dessert menu and is always a favorite!

So yes, Club Lucky is a must do, perhaps before taking in a show at the nearby Double Door or while on the hunt for a late night bar!

Here's a movie theater everyone can agree on! Besides the fact guests get to kick back a few cold ones on huge comfy seats while checking out a favorite cult film, this place has incredible sound when the bands come into town! Five floors make up this early 20th century vaudeville, where some of its original brilliance still shines through. It's nice an dark here and extremely casual.

This is pretty much a movie theatre for people who like to treat the place like they are watching cable in their own homes, and that includes getting a little chatty and reclining back. It serves as a great alternative to staying in for the night, and guests get to mingle and meet new people, as the beer goes for a cool $1.50 and admittance for only $5.00. It is also ideal for new couples who may desire a dark scene but want to avoid a completely segregated area, especially those who want to put off seeing how the other half lives at the moment. This is casual at its finest. And by the way: the best seats are down in the front center, but pretty much anyplace is good!

Whether folks go there for a concert or a flick, The Vic is centrally located in a pretty great area for young couples of all breeds. The immediate neighborhood is very eclectic, from the punk and goth kids to the young socialites, all feeding from the same proverbial trough known as the intersection of Belmont & Clark. Shopping and dining are plentiful, as are cabs, trains and buses - a true feast for the eyes and lips! Just be very careful when parking anywhere in the area! Just about everything on the street not metered is permit only, with cops ticketing often, and store lots hire spotters to boot unauthorized vehicles. Using the pay lot or taking the train is a very wise idea!

Sphinx Cafe is by far one of the most original and delightful establishments around Chicago! Delicious food, beautiful atmosphere, charming staff and oh yes - belly dancing! Customers get to watch the sexy Haflas after a sumptuous meal while they sip robust Turkish coffee and hook up with a hookah while gearing up for the big dance party afterwards. Where else but in the land of the Pharaohs can this be appreciated? In Niles, of course, just outside of Chicago's northwest side.

The best time to take in all of what the Sphinx has to offer is on a Saturday night after seven, and plan on making a full evening out of the deal. Be prepared to take a virtual journey to the Middle East and enjoy the richness of the culture, dressing for a casual, exciting night out.

The service is somewhat laid back, so take advantage of it! Order up the Veggie Combo as an appetizer, as well as a plate of those tasty Stuffed Grape Leaves! A great compliment is their fresh Mint Tea, so be sure to try that out as well. Dinner suggestions include their tender Lamb Chops, the Kefta Kabobs as well as the Couscous Plate. Of course, polish it off with their wonderful Turkish coffee and some sweet Baklava.

After eating and just as you feel you can stand no more, have your staff bring a Hookah to your table while your food digests - be sure to ask for the apple flavoring, which is the patrons' favorite! Its sweet smoke is invigorating and not at all like cigarettes. It is at this is where the fun begins, as the belly dancers take to the floor! If anything can stir up those wild and crazy suppressions, this is it! But hey - don't be in a hurry to leave, because at ten, the Sphinx transforms into a night club, complete with popular disc jockeys of the area. Work off those lingering calories and dance the night away! Their full bar hosted by very talented staff can mix up a mean martini and also have a decent spread of brews and top shelf selections.

The Sphinx closes at four, so you and your date will have just enough time to hit a pancake house on the way back home before the sun rises and the Sunday paper hits the curb. It might be hard to snap back into reality after a night like that, but it will definitely be worth it!

Across the street from Wrigley Field and next door to the Metro, the Raw Bar gets a lot of attention from outsiders, and its truly unique menu keeps them and the locals coming back! Whether you are a strict vegetarian, love seafood or have a desire for something completely exotic, stop by this place after a game or before a night on the town! In fact, the only thing Raw about this storefront establishment is the rawness in its unassuming and fun loving attitude.

Guests will be delighted to find so many good things to order, they usually end up finding themselves undecided! The Crab Cakes have very little "cake" to them and the fish and seafood are incredibly fresh. Steaks are perfectly grilled to perfection, and the Tapas couldn't be any more varied. Of course, those looking for the truly hard to find items will be delighted with seeing Alligator and Grilled Frogs Legs on the menu, along with their popular Blackened Ostrich steak. Other favorites include the Whole Dungeoness Crab and the Grilled Swordfish.

Since the location can sometimes be extremely hectic, it is recommended to call ahead for a reservation. Be forewarned the place can get really hopping for no apparent reason whatsoever, so those looking for seclusion and privacy on a whim may not find it. However, couples looking to obtain that can indeed do so if they request the Chef's Table. It is actually a large glass coffee table up a half flight of stairs, tucked between and a large exotic fish aquarium and the staff's pickup window and set apart; patrons are sat upon a super cozy loveseat and overstuffed pillows. Those wishing to enjoy a large variety of Tapas will especially find this spot to be the best seat in the house.

If the entertainment of the neighborhood itself just isn't enough, the Raw Bar hosts their own Jazzy performers and pianists early evenings. Side the live music with the best Appltinis in town or a nice glass of wine! Their full bar and knowledgeable bar staff know how to concoct just about any libation one could muster. A special note also needs to be made to the upbeat and cheerful wait staff who seem to have a knack for providing just the right amount of service, no matter how busy they get!

Got a taste for something a little different? Then fly on down to the Pegasus! From the front windows that completely open up, to the veranda rooftop deck and the wealth of delicious Greek cuisine, this contemporary dining establishment embedded in the heart of Greektown puts all of its counterparts to shame and makes all of Chicagoland shout "Oopa!" at the top of their lungs!

If kicking off the evening to a fun and festive start is on the menu, be sure to order up an appetizer of Saganaki, the flaming cheese, with drinks and mull over the menu while savoring it's ooey gooey goodness. In fact, since most folks can not just pick one favorite off the menu, so bypass it altogether and go family style - the Greek way! Have the spirited and helpful wait staff assist in picking out several items so both of you can get a taste of some of the best the Pegasus has to offer. Of course, if you had your heart set on getting some of that lamb or fresh seafood Greece is known for, be sure to order either the Paidakia (Lamb chops) or the Sinagrida (broiled Red Snapper). Either way you decide to go, just remember to order up some of the best Baklava in the city for dessert!

If the food and beautiful ambiance are not enough enticements to lure people to arrive in droves, then the wine list will surely do it. The Pegasus has taken a great deal of time in choosing its Greek wine selection, none of which will max out the card. A decent mid-grade, red recommendation is the Boutari Naossa, while the Boutari Kretikos is its white equal. Of course, those wishing to stick to what they know best will find familiar listings from California and abroad.

So, make a fun, romantic and truly memorable night of contemporary culture at the Pegasus! With so many reasons to go, it is little wonder this establishment makes its neighbors jealous.

Hachi's Kitchen is more than just a place to pick up some great rolls (or get them delivered); it is a complete dining experience that warrants repeat visits. Contemporary Japanese decor compliment Chef Jim Bee’s sushi innovation, through elegance, ambiance, presentation and overall dedication to detail. This Bee spin-off from his Lincoln Park establishment, Sai Cafe proves to be a wonderful asset to the beautiful Logan Square neighborhood.

Of course, it is the delicate creations themselves that warrant Bee’s colony of faithful patrons. From the popular Maki rolls to the eye pleasing Chirashi and everything in between, fresh and colorful ingredients make every dish an adventure unto itself. Bee also shows off his ingenuity by creating special menus around the seasons and holidays, though is happy to oblige to those who would rather stick to the regular menu.

The inventive use of just about every creature under the sea is apparent right off the menu, featuring fan favorites like the Volcano Maki and the mouth watering Spicy White Tuna Crunch. Be daring! Ask about the day’s recommendations on top of the standards and see if Bee is up to whipping up something fabulous just for you!

If there must be a point of contention, it lies in the parking issue, since no valet is currently available. However, the immediate area is quiet and safe and street parking is not anywhere near as cumbersome as it‘s Lincoln Park counterpart. Therefore, making a one or even two block hike is well worth the trek to Hachi’s. Reservations are accepted, though couples should not find an issue with immediate seating.

Overall, this is a posh little nook that is just off the boulevard and is deserving of visits by Japanese dignitaries and sushi novices alike. It proves to be an excellent place to celebrate milestones as well as for taming that everyday craving.

Next time you find yourself walking down North Avenue in Wicker Park, make sure you stop at Santullo's Eatery. Its outer appearance doesn’t quite hint at all the yummy goodness that can be found inside, which is why you have to check it out for yourself.

When you first walk in, delicious smells reach your nose and you realize that you’re suddenly really hungry. You’ll notice, too, the stylish but casual way that this place has been decorated. You have your choice of dark cherry-colored booths or high tables with chairs. Black and white photographs of people from generations gone hang high on the walls, and you can often hear quaint old-fashioned tunes while you eat. Tarnished wood floors add to the vintage feel.

But what’s most important is the food. Not only does Santullo’s serve classic sandwiches on fresh baked bread, but they also have homemade soups, salads, beer and wine, and sides like potato or pasta salad prepared daily! And who could forget their pizza; Santullo’s does, after all, boast “a slice of New York in Wicker Park.” They offer daily specials by the slice, too, and even a pizza “happy hour” Monday through Friday from 4-6 pm. A personal favorite is “Thee Hipster,” an amazing combination of fire roasted red pepper and goat cheese. Get a slice and you’ll be surprised by how it barely fits on the plate. For dessert, try the homemade Tiramisu or their signature “Big Apple.” And if by some chance you don’t want to leave the comfort of your own home, you can order one of Santullo’s 20-inch classics and have it delivered.

Best of all, Santullo’s Eatery is open until 3:00 A.M. on Fridays and Saturdays. That means you’ll be able to satisfy a late night craving without having to leave the bar early. Next time you’re in the area, stop in and have a slice. Your stomach will thank you.

Vegetarians: stay far, far away, lest ye craves a lesson in nightmarish torture! This is Man’s Country, baby, as steaks served up at this Western-themed, suburban steak house are not for the meek (or even the health-conscious). Al's Char-House proves a great steak does not have to be located in the city, have an elegant or trendy setting or include a hefty price tag. Nor does require proper dining etiquette or attire. The steaks carry plenty of weight on their own!

“Oh. My. Gawd!” That is almost unanimously the first thing people state when their orders are brought, no, scratch that - thumped, onto the table down at Al‘s. No lie! In fact, a question poses out of a curiosity if new wait staff are required to bench at least 250lbs. before applying. Al’s popular and super-tender 56oz Char-House steak should probably be sided with a doggie bag, as very few people can tackle it in a single sitting. Complimented with delicious raisin pumpernickel bread and honey butter, baked potato, steamed veggies and a choice of soup or salad, every meal is transformed into a gluttonous memory in and of itself.

Yes, there are smaller portions and cuts available, but none of them warrant a tag like quaint, dainty or especially presumptuous. Aside from the 56er, there are other choice cuts featured people will want to explore, such as their 48oz Porterhouse and the 32oz Texas Sirloin. A nice selection of drinks are available from their full bar, though sticking with a good beer or glass of wine sides best. The muscular wait staff is knowledgeable yet laid back, and the chefs have a solid understanding of what constitutes as “rare”.

Keeping in mind families are welcome, most couples will probably want to go to Al’s later in the evening, when the kids are already fast asleep and the traffic from out of the city is lighter. Besides, a place like this needs time to work up an appetite and is definitely worth the drive!