Category: Restaurants

So here I am raving about a hot dog joint again, at least that's what you might be thinking. Stop rolling your eyes! Let me assure you – this is no ordinary hot dog joint! As their moniker states, this place is “The Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium” and they mean every word of it! The lines wrapping around this otherwise unassuming place in a pretty unremarkable and under developed area are reminiscent of a Russian bread line. People patiently wait up to an hour in all types of weather, just to get a sampling of some of the best sausages in the city – possibly the world! The first time I drove by, I thought the line was for the ticket broker next door, as there was no way possible people would be out in -30F wind chill waiting to buy a hot dog!

Sure, beef wieners are good and all, but Doug doesn't stop there, as items like elk, duck, lamb, pork, reindeer, chicken, shrimp, rabbit, and yes, even that major no no of an item, fois gras, make appearances on the weekly specials. Basically, if it's not on the endangered species list, Doug turns it into sausage and hocks it off to the hungry masses, huddling together for warmth and that badge of lunch time honor. The fries themselves are just as remarkable, as they are hand cut and fried in duck fat – certainly not good for you, but it sure does add a bit of flavor no other place offers. Even the occasional vegetarian will break their oath of avoiding such places, since they do offer creative veggie dogs... and some break their diets altogether, since the food is just that darned good!

After the wait that can seem like forever, the folks who opt to eat inside are well rewarded as the place operates like a well oiled machine. There is hardly ever a wait for a table, the place is brightly lit and charmingly decorated, and the music is fun and casual. All the pretension normally accompanied with game meats goes right out the door, just as fast as the rotation of hungry and loyal patrons.

And now for the down sides – and yes, Doug's has them. This place does not take credit cards and has no ATM. With the nearest ATM being at least three blocks away and the average cost being $9, there are folks who have been sent away after waiting for gawd knows how long! Also, parking can be an issue, if you are the type who likes to be right out in front. Plan on walking and then getting in line. And yes, finally, most everyone's major beef is the crazy hours this guy keeps! Be sure to find out if he plans on being open or not by calling ahead before heading out.

Back in the 50's, this fire station closed up shop and moved to brighter pastures. Now a restaurant resides in this historic structure, serving up some decent pub grub and keeping things hopping.

I recently had the pleasure of checking this place out, which was somewhat reminiscent of viewing a museum in a party atmosphere, thanks to the full fire fighting regalia. First impressions would think this is just some campy strip mall establishment, but upon closer scrutiny, the stuff on the walls are all genuine, with every item displayed with purpose. And no, blessedly, the wait staff were not wearing flair! I have always had a lot of respect for these guys, and to have such an overall fairly pleasant experience was worth the visit. I really wanted to slide down the original brass poles in the center of the main dining section, or at least slam a few to swing around on them!

The bar service is pretty good, where we hung out while my party and I waited for a table, and the hostess seems to do a fine job of getting people seated, even though she certainly has her job cut out for her. The wait staff were certainly in a dizzying buzz, but not too frantic, thanks to a good busing staff puling back up duty. The place seems very upbeat, where large groups of friends can gather and chatter without worrying they're causing a scene.

The food itself was fair, but nothing to write home about, though they make a very earnest attempt of offering plenty of vegetarian selections. The chili is okay, which my personal standards are pretty high, so they make up for it by offering “The Wall of Fire”, where guests are asked to go up to it, located next to the bar, grab up as many bottles of underground heat as they like and bring it back to the table with them. I liked this notion a lot, and it introduced me to a few new concoctions! And I'm a girl who likes her food HOT!

Since some people bring the kiddos along, this place is best to hit after 8pm to avoid banging their knees into aisle blocking strollers. There is also seating upstairs, where the fire fighters used to sleep, though that is mainly used for banquets. It's a pretty cool place to check out, with area parking being pretty fair. There's free pool on Mondays and is also a good place to catch the game as well.

Love, love, LOVE Buona Terra! I went here on a date for Valentine's Day a couple years back, and have happily made it one of my favorite local places! The food is good and very traditional, the atmosphere is relaxed, the wait staff are really on top of their game, the bar and wine choices are respectable, and hey - no sticker shock when you leave! And yes, bless them for having the smarts to space out the tables apart from the next guy while dining – I appreciate that! They even sett up more tables outside when it's warm out, al fresco dining in such a pretty neighborhood is a wonderful experience in and of itself.

What sets this place apart from many other Italian restaurants in the city is they do not put the bulk of their emphasis on pizza. In fact, I'm pretty sure they don't even make any pies! The consistently busy buzz is pretty evident of how good this place is in every sense of the word, so making a reservation is a pretty smart idea. If you have never been here before, be sure to make your first visit on a Thursday for their prixe fixe. Thursday is an amazing deal - $20 for an appetizer, entree and a dessert! And yes, many of the specials are fair game!

One of the biggest winners here is veal stuffed ravioli in a brandy cream sauce, though the chicken alla provinciana is another winner. I don't care for the gnocci though; the sauce is good, but the Gnocchi itself is pretty blahzee. What usually wins me over is the bread service and appetizers – if they're good, then the rest of the night is usually set – and this place does not disappoint! They serve this incredible cheesy, garlicy bread that you really should ask seconds on, and the fried calamari is probably the only non greasy variety I have ever seen. And for you dessert lovers, try the Gelato or Tiramisu... simply divine!

If I must make a point of contention is the parking around here is a bit tight, but you will probably find something within a couple blocks, so hit the side streets. Also, be prepared to be waiting by the door for an hour anytime after 7pm if you didn't make reservations, because this place does get busy. Even so, you might be able to score a spot at the bar.

Must. Have. Mojitos! This is what you will be chanting all week as you pull the happy dance, waiting for the weekend brunch time to arrive at this Cuban and Mexican inspired restaurant! That is, if you can even wait til then – you might want to go here for dinner during the week as well! Seriously – they are that good here! You'll want to make sure you bring a mirror with you too, because the mint is crushed fresh, leaving lots of leafy goodness stuck in your teeth! But hey – who cares! You'll be savoring its cool flavor all day long.

Cafe 28 does things a little bit different than other Hispanic places around the city. They cater the menu around Gringos like myself and do a pretty good job of it, but without compromising true, authentic flavor: an ideal, mixed marriage that birthed a beautiful child! The décor is charming in its rustic glory, and the patio is nice to hang out in when the weather cooperates. The overall vibe is just so friendly and upbeat and the prices are so reasonable that I doubt I could ever have a complaint here.

The first thing folks will discover is the garlic flavored butter in the bread baskets. I swear you can eat this all by itself! Fried plantains make a nice change of pace from fries or chips, the seafood is incredibly fresh and the beef and pork selections are falling off the bone tender – they slow cook it for hours and hours. Even their version’s of American breakfast food is simply awesome! What's more, everything is spiced just right, and not just a bunch of heat over powering the food itself.

What works for me is the wait never seems to be all that bad, even at their busiest. Getting a table isn't a big deal, waiting for food isn't painful, and getting refills or the check won't cause any finer tapping or frantic hand waving. Also the decibel level is pretty fair, even at brunch with other people's kids in tow, which gets big kudos from me. My only regret is not being able to frequent this place more often.

Forget the other trendy sushi places in the loop. Come to Sushi Loop, a restaurant that’s all about the food, not about the glitz and glamour. Located, strangely enough, in the heart of Greektown, this unassuming sushi house serves your favorites in a pleasing, casual environment.

Step inside and you won’t necessarily be impressed by the decor. But you’ll be seated quickly by a friendly waitress, and before you even have a chance to look at the menu, the waitress will bring you a couple of hot, soothing towels to wipe your hands. Once you get settled, you’ll notice the restaurant’s calming vibe, where patrons have intimate conversations in lowered voices. Like other sushi places, you’ll hear the steady beat of electronic music being piped throughout the place, giving it the modern edge its competitors are known for.

Start with a hot green tea and a cup of miso soup and the warmth will travel from your head to your toes. But beware: if you’re a fan of miso with big chunks of tofu and seaweed, Sushi Loop can’t help you there. All you’ll get is a cup of hot, steaming miso broth, which is still quite delicious.

It’s always a good idea to start any meal with an appetizer. The only problem is picking one from their extensive list. For that matter, choosing your entrée will be hard, as Sushi Loop boasts a large selection by any sushi fanatic’s standards. If you want to take the easy route, choose a variety of delectable maki rolls. On their menu you’ll find uncommon creations like Kanpyo, a combination of marinated gourd and sesame seed. For the daring, they have Loopy, which they describe as whole deep fried tuna and jalapeno. Of course, you’ll find more conservative choices like California and Avocado. On this particular visit I tried the Negi White Tuna and was pleasantly surprised.

But by all means, don’t skip out on the main course menu if that’s your thing. You’ll find awesome dishes like the Korean Barbecue, a rib eye seasoned in Korean marinade served with a side of potatoes and vegetables, and favorites like Terayaki and Tempura dishes.

Rice and noodle dishes round out this awesome menu, which has a little something for everyone, whether or not you’re into raw fish. And before you head out the door, try the red bean mochi, a delicious ball of sugary dough filled with creamy red bean ice cream (it’s a lot better than it sounds!)

Try Sushi Loop next time you’re in Greektown and have a taste for something that isn’t…Greek. I highly recommend it.

While not as visually appealing as many of other Greek restaurants in the up-and-coming Greektown area, Mr. Greek Gyros has something to offer everyone who’s hungry and is looking for better-than-average portion sizes. Stripped of the glam and glitz, this corner diner has the feel of a greasy spoon but boasts a flavorful menu that makes you think twice about judging a book by its cover. In an area literally surrounded by other Greek restaurants, Mr. Greek Gyros stands out thanks to its large glass windows, which give you a peek inside, where you’ll see a plenty of seating and a huge menu above the counter.

I’ll be honest—this place isn’t where you go when you want the authentic Greektown experience. This is the place you go when you want the 24-hour diner experience. The perfect place to go at three in the morning after a night of heavy drinking, this eatery boasts a huge menu that includes both Greek and not-so-Greek favorites. Number one on their house specialties list is the incredibly affordable $5.75 daily special: Gyros with fries and a medium drink. But what you don’t realize when you order this special is that you won’t have room for the fries, much less the drink. As you wait, you might glance at the decadent cakes and pies that tempt you from the nearby dessert case. But then the cook will slam down a massive package on a red cafeteria tray that will change your mind.

Seriously, the pita on this gyro can hardly contain the juicy meat pouring out of it. Slathered in that delicious cucumber sauce with tomatoes and onions thrown on top, this bad boy will satisfy even the most wicked of appetites. Keep plenty of napkins nearby—you’ll need them.

If gyros really aren’t your thing, don’t worry. You also have hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza puffs, Italian beefs and even rib tips and tacos to choose from. Sound too fattening? Try a Greek salad or a Chicken Caesar salad and you won’t have to ruin your diet plans.

In the event that you’re actually still hungry when you finish your main course, you can order seconds from the side order menu, which includes everything from mozzarella sticks to Spanakopita.

And to top it all off, Mr. Greek Gyros serves breakfast standards like eggs and bacon, omelettes and pancakes. Any time you stroll into this place, whether it’s 6 pm or 6 am, they’ll be ready to serve you whatever you’re in the mood for.

Greektown is full of dining options, to the point where it’s hard to pick. But if you’re ever in the area and just looking to grab a quick bite to sate your appetite, do yourself a favor and stop into Mr. Greek Gyros. Your stomach—and your wallet—will be happy.

For a good date in Wrigleyville, pass up the noisy sports bars and meet at Uncommon Ground on Clark Street. The restaurant has two bars, a big one in the front and a smaller one in the back. It offers coffee drinks as well as beer, wine and cocktails and a menu from breakfast to desserts from Bittersweet Bakery. Your date may be impressed with the organic, seasonal menu and both meat-eaters and vegetarians can find tasty dishes here.

In summer, grab an outdoor table on the sidewalk. In winter, settle into some cozy leather chairs near one of the two fireplaces. Enjoy the local art on the walls, all of which is for sale. Even the restrooms are decorated with paintings; I liked the big tree on the ladies’ room wall. The front room tends to be brighter and louder, while the lights and sounds are lower in the side room. Enjoy local bands here or the sounds of the Monday night open mic.

Share a plate of Spanish tapas with Manchego cheese, Serrano ham, Marcona almonds, quince paste and olives. The menu ranges from pizza, pasta, and burgers (including a veggie burger), to duck, salmon and even buffalo. The distinctive, healthy Sunshine Salad combines seasonal farmers’ market vegetables with sprouts, sunflower seeds and avocado in organic cider vinaigrette. For a breakfast date, try the Uncommon Huevos with eggs over easy on a black bean corn cake topped with ancho chili sauce and Chihuahua cheese.

Uncommon Ground prides itself on one-of-a-kind cocktails. Two of the most promising are the Frida Kahlo with dark chocolate liquor, vanilla vodka, cinnamon and cayenne pepper, and the Cold and Flu Buster, a whole pot of chamomile tea spiked with ginger vodka, honey liqueur and a lemon slice. Local beer, a good selection of wine and Uncommon Gound’s famous coffee offer enough variety for any date to drink what he or she enjoys.

As a coffee shop, bar, restaurant, and music venue, Uncommon Ground stands out in a crowd and makes you feel welcome. The Clark Street restaurant opened in 1991 and a new Uncommon Ground coffee shop opened recently at 1401 W. Devon. Check them out for a great and uncommon date.

Sometimes my plan for a girls’ day out centers on cake and coffee rather than cocktails. For a sweet treat, take your mom, sister, best friend or any chocoholic or coffee aficionado to Julius Meinl’s Café.

Julius Meinl (the name rhymes with ‘vinyl’) was the name of the first Vienna merchant to sell roasted coffee in 1862. Before that, coffee drinkers roasted their own beans over woodstoves. The Meinl logo shows a boy in a red fez, a reminder of the Turks who first introduced coffee to Vienna. The Meinl coffee business has prospered in Austria for five generations. Their cafe on Southport in Chicago serves the same roasted coffee, imported tea and traditional cakes and dishes as the original in Vienna.

Meinl’s imports tea and makes its own coffee and hot cocoa. Lattes and espresso here are identical to their Italian counterparts. The unique Viennese coffee drink is the melange , a big sweet espresso drink with equal parts steamed milk and foam, topped with chocolate shavings. For true luxury, order this with a shot of your favorite flavor (mine is orange). Your tea drinking friends can enjoy a wide selection of imported tea from chai and lapsang souchong to Earl Grey and strawberry. Drinks arrive on elegant silver trays with tiny teaspoons.

Unique Austrian cakes here include Vienna torte, flourless chocolate cake with marzipan, apricot jam and chocolate, Cardinal Schnitte, ladyfingers with lemon mousse and strawberry jam and gugelhupf, a marbled chocolate and vanilla cake. Meinl’s own creations include mousses, cookies and Mozart torte with chocolate and pistachios.

If you and your friends want a light brunch, the croissants and jam or baked eggs with toast taste great with coffee. You can order your eggs with smoked salmon, cheese or vegetables. Breakfast lasts until noon on weekdays and two on weekends for late risers. For lunch, try the crepes with cheese and ham or asparagus and mushrooms, which come with a mixed green salad. Imported cheese and Hungarian goulash round out the menu.

Julius Meinl's is a great place to meet before a movie at the Music Box. If you take the Brown Line El, the Southport stop is closed for construction, but this is well worth the walk from Paulina. In warm weather, you can sit at a table outside and watch the world go by. In winter, enjoy the cheerful yellow interior of the café and pick out a cake from their opulent display case. Servers treat you very well here and never rush you. At Julius Meinl's, you can invite your friends to Vienna without leaving the city.

Elegance, sophistication, class and prestige: these are all the things you won’t find at Ronny’s! What you will find is a great place to sit down and grab a filling and satisfying meal with your coworkers, served on actual dinner ware, and won’t clean out your wallet. Just about everyone goes here at one time or another, many of whom are regulars, all chowing down on some good grub at great prices.

Ronny’s is a Chicago institution for decades that has been used and mentioned in numerous films. It is a frequent haunt of local celebrities and politicians, due to its proximity to the government buildings, train system hub and theatre and shopping districts. Of course, what keeps the place running is all the regular Joes and Janes that have come in over the years. It ain’t healthy, but it sure is good!

When you enter this cafeteria style restaurant, grab a tray and silverware and take a quick look at the overhead boards. Be forewarned most people already know what they want, so step aside for them! The 8oz T-Bone lunch special is what almost everyone goes for, seared on the grill to your liking, served with garlic bread, baked potato and salad. Tips and the super tender half barbecued chicken are also popular choices. Vegetarians who tag along may want to check out the giant slices of spinach and mushroom pizzas. Drinks are for a separate charge, which does include bottled beer and wine, though most look forward to their delicious fruit punch with watermelon wedges in the pitcher. Folks on a budget just bring their own.

What’s nice about this place is there is almost always a nice place to sit, with tall cushion backed chairs and booths, including an upstairs area with a giant TV. No one is in a rush to kick you out, and the bus boys make frequent sweeps to clear the table for you. Unlike most fast food joints, you are not expected to bus your own; when you leave, leave your plates and trays on the table. What a concept!

Now it’s been said by fine dining snobs that the steaks they hustle have a distinct possibility of being carved from Secretariat, but for $5.95, the price can’t be beat! The service is quick and attentive, the atmosphere is very cozy and casual, and you just might rub elbows with some of the city’s most important people. Including you!

What was once an almost completely hidden gem in the Loop, tucked away in the back of a jeweler’s mall, is now all the rave for those on the hunt for cheap lunch eats!

The current location is pretty dismal and gritty, but the food is so good that it makes you forget all about the horrible fluorescent lighting and tacky train station “artwork”, set up next door to that foul mouthed sailor’s cajun chicken joint. No, Oasis certainly doesn’t describe the surroundings, but one bite will make you rethink that first assumption.

If you have never had falafel, then make this your first experience! Try its fried, crunchy yet moist goodness in pita sandwich form; it will make you will lick your fingers after you polish off that last morsel! Or, go for the veggie combo plate, where you can get a taste of yummy stuffed grape leaves, hummus and a bit of salad with pita bread for dippin’. Other suggestions include the kabobs, be it in beef, lamb or chicken form, and the lentil soup is simply superb. It also happens to be one of the few places to locate an IBC root beer to wash down your meal, which I happen to be a huge fan of!

Since Middle Eastern food is traditionally communal, make sure everyone gets a little something different, so you can all pick off each others’ plates. This food mall has quite a bit of seating and is pretty loud, making it perfectly acceptable to be boisterous with your Mmmm’s! However, since the decor is less than inviting, I suggest getting your food to go, unless looks aren’t your number one priority when eating such a fabulous meal. Head over to Millennium Park when the weather is cooperating, or duck inside to the Cultural Center when it’s not. Of course, it’s always fun to bring something that awesome back to the office, so you guys can force your coworkers to bask in its intoxicating aroma while they relegate to their mushy sandwiches and stale chips.