Neighborhood: Avondale

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.

More of a café earlier in the evening, more of a night club later on, Cafe Lura is one of those places you just look forward to seeing a show at, because while the stage area itself might be on the tight side, it’s the side rooms themselves people really enjoy. And ladies – this place is thankfully not a meat market!

If you’ve come for good, authentic Polish food, then you’re in for surprise and are better off hitting one of the many Polish restaurants in the neighborhood. While they do boast a pretty darn good pierogi in either its boiled or fried state, the small menu is pretty much focused on standard Americanized fare. However, they do offer blintzes and potato pancakes as well, alongside some decent sandwiches – enough to keep your tummy from rumbling and tasty enough to satisfy a craving.

Now, if you’ve come for the night club aspect, then you’re REALLY in for a surprise, because this place is fun, fun FUN! The center stage is pretty tiny, where 20 people make the place look crammed. However, the bar area is where most of the action is, where regulars will find themselves permanently shackled to the stools for the rest of the night. If you wander past the stage area, you will find what is probably one of Lura’s best kept secrets: that absolutely charming lounge area. No matter what the weather is outside, in this room you will be transported to a medieval European garden under a perpetual night time sky. You can still hear the music just fine, but at a decibel level that allows you to actually talk and get to know people!

Past the bar area is another tucked away nook, where this room is more reminiscent of a European hunting lodge. This is also where most folks choose to dine, and where you are most likely to find the Polish speaking regulars. While not as stunning as the other room, this is also a nice place to sneak away from the rest of the party!

Behind the establishment is a small parking area, with the door leading right into the bar area. However, most people opt to park on the street so that the bands can utilize this space for loading and unloading their gear. After 9pm, metered parking is free anyway! Also, buses in the area are plentiful and run all night, though cabs are a little harder to come by. If you want one, have the bar staff call one up for you.

Dude! Oh my Gawd this place is fuggin AWESOME! Horns way up! Not only do they mix a mean drink and serve up a nice selection of brews, but the music is pumping, the tattooed waitresses are hot and cool as hell, there’s an outdoor patio and Wow! they make some really incredible pretzel bun burgers and sandwiches named after some of my all time favorite bands! And whoa! Jack on tap? What a marvelous concept!

What’s cool about this place is that it feels so much like when I go out to a metal fest, minus the bands and vendors, of course. The majority of the patrons are guys, so those of the rockin female persuasion are that much more welcome. And tattoo flash used as wall paper in the blessedly clean bathrooms is pretty cool as well! The music is obviously Metal, going from one extreme to the other, and kept at that perfect volume, where you want to jam out and talk to the buds you came with at the same time without losing your voice.

Lots of Belgian brews are to be had here, so you beer connoisseurs can rest assured you won’t have to gulp down swill while chowing down. And yep, plenty of the hard stuff to keep the rest of yas happy, too! But it’s the food most people come for, and Kuma’s certainly does not disappoint! Why oh why are pretzel buns not the standard for burgers, because they really should be! And for folks who fear burger and bar joints are just greasy dives can relax, because just about every sandwich can be ordered up veg, many of which feature plenty of healthy toppings!

Now besides the sandwiches, those fries they make deserve some serious praise all on their own. If you have never had fresh cut fries, then you are really missing out - perfect in every sense of the word. And why on Earth is macaroni and cheese never this good when I make it? That blue box in the pantry is just simply awful in comparison! The calamari they serve is pretty good too, with a garnish of deep fried basil no one should live without trying.

Kuma’s has been getting a lot of praise lately from mainstream reviewers, so needless to say, this place gets really busy on the weekends, even in the summer when the patio is open. Even so, that 1½ to 2 hour table wait on the weekends is definitely worth it, and I admit to being a pretty impatient lady! And thankfully, street parking isn’t a pain! I just hope these guys can expand for more tables and hopefully able to start having bands play here!

Probably the most popular Irish bar in all of Chicago and sponsors of the St. Patrick's Day parade and the annual Celtic Fest downtown. The Abbey Pub is also host to live entertainment with a nicely risen stage and a good shot from just about any vantage point. The sound is fairly decent as well, with a low ceiling, wrap around balcony that allows guests to enjoy traditional Irish fare while catching a show.

The decor in the venue area is very charming, with large rounded picture windows that take up both floors and exposed brick walls, helping to justify its namesake. Couples may want to venture upstairs during crowded shows, where the dim lighting and sense of relative spaciousness will allow for a more intimate experience. In spite of the big screen TV's and other sports bar regalia, this place has a classic homey feel to it. Service can be a little on the slow side with the wait staff, but with so much going on, only seriously hungry patrons will notice. The bars however are manned by squadrons of staff, ensuring everyone gets their pints in a timely manner.

As far as the food is concerned, this place really knows how to serve up some fantastic, authentic Irish fare. Go for the fish and chips - a huge, hearty portion that is also on the all you can eat special Friday nights. The shepherd's pie is undoubtedly the best in the city, and where else would anyone want to order up corned beef and cabbage on Saint Paddy's Day? An interesting addition is the curry fries, which is covered in a wonderful gravy. Of course, standard bar grub is also available and very tasty, like burgers, cheese sticks and hot wings, but it seems almost sinful to order that sort of thing here!

So head on down to the Abbey, grab a pint of the dark stuff and check out a great band!

Looking for someplace different than "just another bar" but is just as happening? Then head over to the Diversey Rock N' Bowl! While families and leagues tend to dominate the daylight and evening hours, party seeking couples will want to lace up their numbered shoes and hit the lanes at night, thumping along to some of rock's most legendary artists. Requests are taken by the DJ, so be sure to put them in right away! The place revvs up with a cool light show, setting the scene for a fun night out.

There's plenty to do while waiting for a lane to open up, so hit the arcade and bar! Brew connoisseurs will rejoice in finding both Guinness and Hacker Pschorr on tap, highlighting a dozen of the most cherished imports and domestics around, on top of two dozen other bottled varieties. The wine choices are meager at best, but top shelf liquors more than make up for it, ensuring that Cosmo can indeed be mixed with Grey Goose, and the Jaeger is well chilled! Big screens dominate the walls, for those wanting to go down while catching the big game.

One big thing that differentiates the Rock N' Bowl from other alleys is the surprisingly good food available through their adjoining Kegler's Pizzeria and Grille. Sure, bar food like wings and burgers are on the menu, but with entrees like succulent Shrimp Scampi and tender Beef Medallions listed, there is no mistaking these folks have really thought of everything. A large portion of the choices are vegetarian and even vegan, so those wanting to watch what they eat can easily place an order, with knowledgeable staff at the ready for requesting adjustments.

So take a pass on the standard scene and cruise on over to the Rock N' Bowl! If anything can be said, it's that this ain't your daddy's bowling alley!