Huetten Bar
4721 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 561-2507
Review coming soon
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
RJ Grunts (Lincoln Park)
RJ Grunts
2056 N Lincoln Park W
Chicago, IL 60614-4708
(773) 929-5363
"Lettuce Entertain You" with their flagship restaurant. Located in Lincoln Park on the corner of Dickens and Lincoln Park West, this has become one of Chicago's main food stops. The walls are lined with photographs of women spanning what looks like the the 70s through the 90s. (Think senior photos). While I haven't quite figured out why every available area is covered with lovely ladies, it does add to the uniqueness of the place.
RJ Grunts has got your typical American fare menu. Burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, etc. What they take pride on is this: They claim to be the inventor of the salad bar. It's nothing impressive except for being able to say, "I ate at the first salad bar ever." But of course that comes with having to believe that it is in fact the first salad bar created. If you're a bit a bit skeptical, try the buffalo chicken nachos. Gut bomb, heart attack on a plate, but fantastic.
Beware, RJ Grunts has attempted to maximize their space. The tables are close together and there is little room for stretching out.
On a bonus point, the Lincoln Park Zoo is across the street. Take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped park to walk off those extra calories.
2056 N Lincoln Park W
Chicago, IL 60614-4708
(773) 929-5363
"Lettuce Entertain You" with their flagship restaurant. Located in Lincoln Park on the corner of Dickens and Lincoln Park West, this has become one of Chicago's main food stops. The walls are lined with photographs of women spanning what looks like the the 70s through the 90s. (Think senior photos). While I haven't quite figured out why every available area is covered with lovely ladies, it does add to the uniqueness of the place.
RJ Grunts has got your typical American fare menu. Burgers, fries, chicken sandwiches, etc. What they take pride on is this: They claim to be the inventor of the salad bar. It's nothing impressive except for being able to say, "I ate at the first salad bar ever." But of course that comes with having to believe that it is in fact the first salad bar created. If you're a bit a bit skeptical, try the buffalo chicken nachos. Gut bomb, heart attack on a plate, but fantastic.
Beware, RJ Grunts has attempted to maximize their space. The tables are close together and there is little room for stretching out.
On a bonus point, the Lincoln Park Zoo is across the street. Take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped park to walk off those extra calories.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Crew Bar and Grill (Uptown)
Crew Bar and Grill
4804 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 784-2739
If you're prepared to trek into the heart of Uptown and brave the seas of uncertainty, you won't be disappointed. Home of the Tater Tot Caserole, this heart attack on a plate is one of the Crew specials. (Only available on the weekends). Also, try their homemade mac and cheese. Heavy and should be served with a side of tums, this is the ultimate comfort food that mom would make.
Crew has multiple televisions scattered throughout the bar and they have subscriptions to programs such as the MLB network. So, if the Cubs aren't playing, you're bound to be able to catch a game of your liking.
Monday night is Pub Trivia night. Test your knowledge with fill in the blank, multiple choice, and music questions while chowing down on 1/2 price wings ($4.50 for 12) and Stella pint specials. There are plenty of prizes to win throughout the process which include free shots and free drink tokens to sister pub and next door neighbor, The Wild Pug. Prizes for winning teams (Best Two Man Team, Overall Winner, and well...the worst team) vary. The ultimate prize is usually a $50 dollar gift card to Crew. Not bad for a pub quiz that has no buy-in!
The space of Crew involves a lot of stainless steel and dim lighting, so if you're looking for sunshine, you may want to reconsider.
4804 N. Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 784-2739
If you're prepared to trek into the heart of Uptown and brave the seas of uncertainty, you won't be disappointed. Home of the Tater Tot Caserole, this heart attack on a plate is one of the Crew specials. (Only available on the weekends). Also, try their homemade mac and cheese. Heavy and should be served with a side of tums, this is the ultimate comfort food that mom would make.
Crew has multiple televisions scattered throughout the bar and they have subscriptions to programs such as the MLB network. So, if the Cubs aren't playing, you're bound to be able to catch a game of your liking.
Monday night is Pub Trivia night. Test your knowledge with fill in the blank, multiple choice, and music questions while chowing down on 1/2 price wings ($4.50 for 12) and Stella pint specials. There are plenty of prizes to win throughout the process which include free shots and free drink tokens to sister pub and next door neighbor, The Wild Pug. Prizes for winning teams (Best Two Man Team, Overall Winner, and well...the worst team) vary. The ultimate prize is usually a $50 dollar gift card to Crew. Not bad for a pub quiz that has no buy-in!
The space of Crew involves a lot of stainless steel and dim lighting, so if you're looking for sunshine, you may want to reconsider.
Friday, May 29, 2009
Mary's Attic (Andersonville)
Mary's Attic
5400 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 784-6969
Part of the Hamburger Mary's chain, this little 3 part conglomerate has something for everyone. With the opening of the "Rec Room" in August 2009, sports fans can catch games while sipping on mojitos in the ambiance of the trendy exposed brick. The Rec Room has advertised "try our home brew." It appears Mary's is trying to be their own micro-brewery. I have to admit, that I haven't tried any of their suds yet, so comments are welcomed.
Personally, I'm a fan of the attic. Bump and grind with the gay boys of Andersonville on a Saturday night or attend Maryoke on Sunday evening where you'll either get theater guru's belting it out or the next shit-show on American Idol. Either way, entertaining. But beware, the mega-sized Jenga set is bound to send you leaping out of your chair and heading to the floor if you happen to sit by it when it falls.
During the summer days, you can sip your drinks outside while people watching those who travel up and down clark street. But for a place that is called Hamburger Mary's the burgers aren't that great. No need to lose hope yet, the chicken wings are pretty good.
5400 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 784-6969
Part of the Hamburger Mary's chain, this little 3 part conglomerate has something for everyone. With the opening of the "Rec Room" in August 2009, sports fans can catch games while sipping on mojitos in the ambiance of the trendy exposed brick. The Rec Room has advertised "try our home brew." It appears Mary's is trying to be their own micro-brewery. I have to admit, that I haven't tried any of their suds yet, so comments are welcomed.
Personally, I'm a fan of the attic. Bump and grind with the gay boys of Andersonville on a Saturday night or attend Maryoke on Sunday evening where you'll either get theater guru's belting it out or the next shit-show on American Idol. Either way, entertaining. But beware, the mega-sized Jenga set is bound to send you leaping out of your chair and heading to the floor if you happen to sit by it when it falls.
During the summer days, you can sip your drinks outside while people watching those who travel up and down clark street. But for a place that is called Hamburger Mary's the burgers aren't that great. No need to lose hope yet, the chicken wings are pretty good.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Sweet Tamarind (Lake View)
Sweet Tamarind
1034 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 281-5300
First things first. The lunch special. For a simple $5.95-$6.95, you get an entree, salad, and soup. Try the basil beef (chicken or tofu). It's sweet, yet spicy and well balanced.
1034 W. Belmont Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 281-5300
First things first. The lunch special. For a simple $5.95-$6.95, you get an entree, salad, and soup. Try the basil beef (chicken or tofu). It's sweet, yet spicy and well balanced.
Simon's Tavern (Andersonville)
Simon's Tavern
5210 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-0984
First thing's first, Simon's is a CASH ONLY bar. So don't expect to run a tab. There is a First American Bank ATM located right next to the entrance, so at least, you don't have to walk far.
Remember the days when you could smoke in the bars of Chicago? Well, Simon's does. It's hard to distinguish weather the yellowed walls are from the days where smoke flooded this cozy place, or if it is truly age. Regardless, Simon's has character. Check out the mural on the north wall. There is a huge portion of it that has been cut out. Rumor has it, that this cut out used to be a prominent gangster in Chicago who crossed someone and lost their privileges (...and possibly their life).
In the winter months, Simon's serves glogg, the swedish version of mulled wine. They even serve it with a cookie.
Simon's has recently made some decor changes, which I'm not a fan of. They used to have cute little tables that have now been replaced by high tables glued on tightly to the wall. In terms of using space efficiently, it was a good move, but the tiny cute tables gave it even more character. Most of the time, they even had flowers on the table.
Above the bar cash register are what looks to be high school photos. I assume that they are the kids of the people who own the bar. It seems a bit out of place, but again, Simon's has character.
The bar staff is friendly, the drinks are reasonably priced. I don't drink micro-brews, but I do know they have "a good selection."
Oh, and if you ever wondered if hipsters exist in Andersonville, they do. You can find most of them at Simons.
REVIEW COMING SOON
5210 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-0984
First thing's first, Simon's is a CASH ONLY bar. So don't expect to run a tab. There is a First American Bank ATM located right next to the entrance, so at least, you don't have to walk far.
Remember the days when you could smoke in the bars of Chicago? Well, Simon's does. It's hard to distinguish weather the yellowed walls are from the days where smoke flooded this cozy place, or if it is truly age. Regardless, Simon's has character. Check out the mural on the north wall. There is a huge portion of it that has been cut out. Rumor has it, that this cut out used to be a prominent gangster in Chicago who crossed someone and lost their privileges (...and possibly their life).
In the winter months, Simon's serves glogg, the swedish version of mulled wine. They even serve it with a cookie.
Simon's has recently made some decor changes, which I'm not a fan of. They used to have cute little tables that have now been replaced by high tables glued on tightly to the wall. In terms of using space efficiently, it was a good move, but the tiny cute tables gave it even more character. Most of the time, they even had flowers on the table.
Above the bar cash register are what looks to be high school photos. I assume that they are the kids of the people who own the bar. It seems a bit out of place, but again, Simon's has character.
The bar staff is friendly, the drinks are reasonably priced. I don't drink micro-brews, but I do know they have "a good selection."
Oh, and if you ever wondered if hipsters exist in Andersonville, they do. You can find most of them at Simons.
REVIEW COMING SOON
Cafe Bong (Edgewater)
Cafe Bong
5706 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 275-0430
If you can handle dirty, as in germ dirty, then make Cafe Bong a stop on your Andersonville/Edgewater tour. Owned by a sweet Korean woman named Jenny, it's the only bar I know of in town that serves OB (Oriental Brewery) beer. Oh, and Jenny may drink as much as the customers around her do.
Cafe Bong has karaoke, but beware. It's located behind the bar which means you have to sit at the bar and lean over to sing into your mic since the cord barely reaches far enough. But sing your heart away as the images of majestic lions and flower gardens in slow motion entertain you as your read your lines.
And when I say dirty, I do mean it. The bathrooms are in sad shape, but you're always guaranteed toilet paper, soap, and paper towels.
Cafe Bong is the perfect stop at the end of your night. By the time you get there, you can't help but sing and ignore the dirt around you.
5706 N. Clark St.
Chicago, IL 60660
(773) 275-0430
If you can handle dirty, as in germ dirty, then make Cafe Bong a stop on your Andersonville/Edgewater tour. Owned by a sweet Korean woman named Jenny, it's the only bar I know of in town that serves OB (Oriental Brewery) beer. Oh, and Jenny may drink as much as the customers around her do.
Cafe Bong has karaoke, but beware. It's located behind the bar which means you have to sit at the bar and lean over to sing into your mic since the cord barely reaches far enough. But sing your heart away as the images of majestic lions and flower gardens in slow motion entertain you as your read your lines.
And when I say dirty, I do mean it. The bathrooms are in sad shape, but you're always guaranteed toilet paper, soap, and paper towels.
Cafe Bong is the perfect stop at the end of your night. By the time you get there, you can't help but sing and ignore the dirt around you.
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