Category Archives: Chicago
Pizzeria Via Stato | River North, Chicago
If I was the only one that knew about this place, I’d never write this, but this place is in Yelp, in Timeout, etc., so I’m hardly blowing the whistle. Pizzeria Via Stato channels the same vibe as Quartino across the street — small carafes of reasonably-priced wine, well executed food, and a casual vibe. [...]
Stocks and Blondes | The Loop, Chicago
Ceilings are 7-footers, tops. And up until the smoking ban the place smelled like shit. But it still smells like shit, thanks to the fryalators. Which also give the menus a nice sticky sheen. This is one of the best bars in the loop. They always seem to have good beer, something unusual, and compared [...]
The Flat Iron | Wicker Park, Chicago
Graffiti on the walls (or is it street art?), a cavernous feel, patrons with piercings and serious eyeliner, and two pool tables, all behind a discreetly-labeled door that has ‘The Flat Iron’ spelled out in the exact same letters you’d use if you had an aluminum fishing boat in Wisconsin and needed to display your [...]
Duke of Perth | Lakeview, Chicago
Careful on Wednesday and Friday — the all-you-can-eat fish and chips brings a crowd. Every other day, great bar. 2009 will be Duke of Perth’s 20th year in Chicago and here’s to 20 more. Duke of Perth is located on an alley corner with a large front window overlooking Clark Street. It’s adjacent to an [...]
Rose’s Lounge | Lincoln Park, Chicago
We arrive and there’s a elderly woman in the back muscling a huge trash bag out from behind the bar. Attempting to muscle is more accurate. There’s one other patron at the place. He notices what’s going on and says, “Rose, let me get that.” He grabs the bag, takes it out the back door, [...]
Potter’s Lounge | The Loop, Chicago
Potter’s Lounge tries to capture what we imagine when we idealize the cocktail’s glory days — something involving low light, comfortable seating, well-executed drinks, and expensive prices. Which is fine. It’s part of the whole anti-tini backlash, I think. We’ve become fed up with Tom Collins-tinis and margarita-tinis and appletinis and want something better. Potter’s [...]
Billy Goat Tavern | The Loop, Chicago