While the bulk of their business stems from their banquets and pizza delivery, La Villa does an excellent job at serving up wonderful, authentic Italian dishes, and the only thing inflated is their portions.
This dimly lit restaurant, complete with a full bar and tucked away, high backed booths sets the tone for a casual night out, more on the quiet side on later week nights. White linen table cloths and napkins adorn the well used tables and booths, lit by small candles, accompanied by quality olive oil for bread, setting the tone for something a little more special. Though the d?cor is very much a 70s throwback and could use a little sprucing up, there is a certain little bit of charm here that really doesn't seem to require they act all that fast on a total gut rehab.
Even when the adjacent banquet hall is booked up solid, the service is quick but not pressured, and everything prepared is fresh and home made. The basket of hot bread and focaccia is simply divine, the minestrone soup has a lot of flavor, and the pasta dishes are top notch. Their vast menu of steaks, ribs, chops and seafood are all grilled to perfection, and the small, fresh salad bar is quaint yet very tasty.
Of course, it's their pizza that made them a local favorite, and this is just the sort of place folks enjoy dining out for a pie. Sausage lovers will especially love their home made variety, and the sauce is right on time, even for picky Chicagoans who love their saucy pizzas! A decent selection of wines and brews are available, and the bar staff do a fine job of mixing just about anything guests could ask for.
It's little wonder folks have made this charming Italian restaurant part of their regular routine. La Villa makes folks feel right at home and even know their regulars on a first name basis. Just be sure to dine there after 7pm to ensure the families have already cleared out.
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!
Dharma Garden may not be the most elegant or sophisticated Thai restaurant in Chicago, but it is the unique menu and the generous hospitality at this north side establishment that has people returning time and again. Whether you are a Thai-infused seafood connoisseur or simply a vegetarian seeking a new place to expand your palate, Dharma Garden will delight you and your date with fresh, traditional fare and leave you begging for more!
If karaoke is your thing, then crooning along with the regulars at night while enjoying a sumptuous meal can become quite an experience. Their bar features a variety of healthful drinks and compliments the array of the original specialties, and because they are designated as a BYOB, those wishing to expand their choices are able to do so.
The knowledgeable, helpful wait staff will tone down the spiciness of their many selections if asked, so it is a good idea to ask about the heat in advance, even on otherwise unassuming dishes. Since the owner is staunch on health, no MSG can be found at this Asian restaurant, nor are fish sauce, refined sugar or other processed ingredients. The mock duck and jasmine rice are by far some of the best in the city, the spring rolls are light and flavorful, and the surprisingly large and inventive dessert menu demands your attention!
Overall, Dharma Garden is a fun, quaint place to experiment without going overkill on the pocket book, and it is guaranteed to have newcomers from all walks of life to stop by again and again.
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.