Archive for November 2007

Where can S&M -minded folks watch and even participate in a public, bondage -themed event while perched atop an indoor motorcycle drinking a good import? The Exit.

Where can punk rockers go to jam out on the classics while slamming $2 PBRs? The Exit.

Where can goths go to show off their latest vintage corsets and stacks and be the best dressed in the room, instead of the freakiest? The Exit.

Where can metal heads go to party with the DJ who lets people flip through his thousands of CDs while playing Guitar Hero alongside popular underground bands (who just so happen to be passing through)? The Exit.

And where exactly can anyone else go who aren't intimidated by the regulars, want to have a good time and drink until dawn? The Fuggin Exit, Dammit!

Located on the opposite side of the North Avenue bridge, where all the tourists “flock” to a popular micro brewery, lies the seediest of all the bars, and they like it that way! The Exit is deservedly the most infamous bar in the Tri State area and has remained pretty much the same since its opening back in the 80s. Back then, the only significant difference is the location, since many of the regulars then are regulars now, just a little older, at least according to their driver’s licenses.

Of course, a whole new breed of unique individuals make their appearances as well, as some things like rebellion just don’t ever seem to die. They gather together in their denim and leather, their pleather and lace, their whips and paddles, their tattoos and piercings and even their artfully designed and yes, intentional, brandings. The theme changes every night, with different music spun by DJs who actually prefer to leave the dance tracks at the store. It’s a centralized bastion for sin in the Midwest, and they like it that way!

The thing it though, The Exit really is a gentle giant, just another place to go chill out and socialize, in spite of its rough image. The decor is suiting for any run down biker bar, complete with cult flicks, videos and vintage porn on the tube, and the upstairs is a great place to party with drunken strangers. In a nut shell, it’s the place to be when everyplace else doesn’t seem to take kindly to those types, even though those types take rather kindly to everybody else. Oh and yeah - they’re open pretty late, too!

What is probably the smallest, most under rated night club in town for twenty- and early thirty- somethings, the Liar's Club is a place to go when the notion hits to do something a little different. Its unassuming exterior seems to beckon those looking for a little anonymity, but takes on all comers.

Every night brings on new types of people and music, depending on who is spinning the tunes. And, every night tends to have a decent crowd, since many regulars work odd shifts. Also, the crowd splits up between the upstairs and downstairs, depending on who feels like taking advantage of the dance floor, and who would rather just jam out and throw back a few drinks.

Weekend nights have a meager $3.00 cover, and the joint fills up really fast! Those wanting to score one of the coveted secluded loveseats or bar stools should get there by 9pm. The music is loud and non stop, the bar staff are fast and quick as a whip, and the d?cor is an eclectic mix of Punk meets Moose Lodge, with fez hat logos tucked away just about everywhere. This is the corner bar that dad and his Shriner friends would rather go sober than drink at!

Since Trixies and sports bar fans are not the target audience here, what's usually on the screen is either rock videos (they're big KISS fans there!) or old school porn. The place has a good mix of couples, groups and singles on the prowl, wearing pretty much whatever is clean that particular night, or whatever looks somewhat presentable from the hamper. The brick walls are painted red and decked out with old velvet Elvi icons (the plural of Elvis!). And the dance floor? It's really small but fun, with these disco lights on the floor with a ball overhead. It is definitely the place to do a little people watching while having a good time!

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!

Usually a first stop for many north side pub crawls, Laschet's Inn serves up some great brews and fantastic authentic German food bigger than the Black Forest itself!

German natives and locals agree, this is by far the best German tavern and restaurant in town. While tourist drawing, leder hosen donning Oompa bands may not frequent on a nightly basis or have an overall Beerfest mentality like the Lincoln Square Brau Haus, Laschet's Inn, located just a block down the street from the St. Ben's clock tower, serves up large portions of great authentic food with brews to match!

Walking in the front door of this otherwise unassuming neighborhood tavern tends to stir an image of a bygone era of Chicago bars, complete with double swinging doors, creeky steps, solid dark wood paneling and simple decorations. This is clearly Bavaria. It isn't exactly the most trendy of spots, but the comfort level shoots through the roof, with fair lighting to accommodate light, friendly encounters.

For those who have never booked a flight out to Frankfort can walk away with a sense of being there, from the encased steins decorating the walls, to the food and its seasonal brew counterparts. The bar staff is known for giving out comp'ed shots, so a designated driver is a necessity! The bottled list is almost entirely German, so those looking for a cheap, kitschy PBR is sorely out of luck. On tap includes brands folks may have a hard time pronouncing but go down oh so smoothly.

Go up a level and have a great meal, with tables covered with red and white checkered vinyl cloths. Daily specials rotate nightly, though the wiener schnitzels, brat wursts and thuringers are the top orders. Potato salad and surprisingly tasty saur kraut sides are naturally the German variety, and the dense, dark Lithuanian rye bread served is very hearty and matches well with any meal. Of course, no German menu would be complete without a home made apple strudel dessert, which they make superbly! Every meal is created from secret family recipes, each simply superb in its own right.

In fact, the food here is praised as being better than any of its Milwaukee counterparts. A word of warning comes to those wanting speedy service, as good food takes time to prepare. No worries though, as it gives guests a chance to catch up over a stein of good beer while the hunger grows, making room for the enormous portions!

It used to be a given that if you want great Indian food and you were in Chicago, you had to go to Devon Avenue to get it. Of course, the food is great no matter which place you wandered into, since they are all featuring authentic Northern and / or Southern Indian fare, they are family owned and operated and come at great prices to boot. However, the parking on Devon between Western Avenue and Kimball is horrendous, it is very difficult to even drive around there, the service can be hit or miss and the decor almost unanimously is less than to be desired. One new restaurant set out to remove all the negatives and improve on the positives, and that place is Tandoor's in Park Ridge.

Before even hitting upon the food itself, the first distinction is the location. Street parking is a breeze, and while it may be further west, the drive time for most folks is about the same, even though it's still on Devon! While the outside may be more reminiscent of a small diner, inside it is absolutely lovely and impeccably clean, hitting patrons head on with those wonderful aromas. The service couldn't be any more attentive and friendly, even for folks who have never tried any of those savory, Northern style spicy dishes before. However, be forewarned those used to eye tearing, nose clearing Bombay curries may be somewhat disappointed, as the owner Chris has turned down the heat a notch, possibly in order to cater to the surrounding area.

Like most Indian restaurants, Tandoor offers a small but decently varied buffet for lunch, as well as a dinner buffet on Friday and Saturday nights, all for $9.99! Those really wanting to savor the use of that Tandoor oven should try the Sizzling Platter, which is a whole mound of seasoned meats, poultry and seafood, ideal for sharing. Pair it with a Vegetable Korma and add some Naan or Aloo Paratha for a complete meal. Since they are waiting for their liquor license and no BYOB is currently available, ideal drinks would include a good Masala tea or even a Lassi. The best dessert options so far seem to be the Gulab Jamun and the Kheer dish, which many folks would find similar to rice pudding.

As this restaurant continues to grow and become known as the other place to go for great Indian fare, it can only be assumed Tandoor's will give its well established competitors some food for thought!

Sphinx Cafe is by far one of the most original and delightful establishments around Chicago! Delicious food, beautiful atmosphere, charming staff and oh yes - belly dancing! Customers get to watch the sexy Haflas after a sumptuous meal while they sip robust Turkish coffee and hook up with a hookah while gearing up for the big dance party afterwards. Where else but in the land of the Pharaohs can this be appreciated? In Niles, of course, just outside of Chicago's northwest side.

The best time to take in all of what the Sphinx has to offer is on a Saturday night after seven, and plan on making a full evening out of the deal. Be prepared to take a virtual journey to the Middle East and enjoy the richness of the culture, dressing for a casual, exciting night out.

The service is somewhat laid back, so take advantage of it! Order up the Veggie Combo as an appetizer, as well as a plate of those tasty Stuffed Grape Leaves! A great compliment is their fresh Mint Tea, so be sure to try that out as well. Dinner suggestions include their tender Lamb Chops, the Kefta Kabobs as well as the Couscous Plate. Of course, polish it off with their wonderful Turkish coffee and some sweet Baklava.

After eating and just as you feel you can stand no more, have your staff bring a Hookah to your table while your food digests - be sure to ask for the apple flavoring, which is the patrons' favorite! Its sweet smoke is invigorating and not at all like cigarettes. It is at this is where the fun begins, as the belly dancers take to the floor! If anything can stir up those wild and crazy suppressions, this is it! But hey - don't be in a hurry to leave, because at ten, the Sphinx transforms into a night club, complete with popular disc jockeys of the area. Work off those lingering calories and dance the night away! Their full bar hosted by very talented staff can mix up a mean martini and also have a decent spread of brews and top shelf selections.

The Sphinx closes at four, so you and your date will have just enough time to hit a pancake house on the way back home before the sun rises and the Sunday paper hits the curb. It might be hard to snap back into reality after a night like that, but it will definitely be worth it!

Across the street from Wrigley Field and next door to the Metro, the Raw Bar gets a lot of attention from outsiders, and its truly unique menu keeps them and the locals coming back! Whether you are a strict vegetarian, love seafood or have a desire for something completely exotic, stop by this place after a game or before a night on the town! In fact, the only thing Raw about this storefront establishment is the rawness in its unassuming and fun loving attitude.

Guests will be delighted to find so many good things to order, they usually end up finding themselves undecided! The Crab Cakes have very little "cake" to them and the fish and seafood are incredibly fresh. Steaks are perfectly grilled to perfection, and the Tapas couldn't be any more varied. Of course, those looking for the truly hard to find items will be delighted with seeing Alligator and Grilled Frogs Legs on the menu, along with their popular Blackened Ostrich steak. Other favorites include the Whole Dungeoness Crab and the Grilled Swordfish.

Since the location can sometimes be extremely hectic, it is recommended to call ahead for a reservation. Be forewarned the place can get really hopping for no apparent reason whatsoever, so those looking for seclusion and privacy on a whim may not find it. However, couples looking to obtain that can indeed do so if they request the Chef's Table. It is actually a large glass coffee table up a half flight of stairs, tucked between and a large exotic fish aquarium and the staff's pickup window and set apart; patrons are sat upon a super cozy loveseat and overstuffed pillows. Those wishing to enjoy a large variety of Tapas will especially find this spot to be the best seat in the house.

If the entertainment of the neighborhood itself just isn't enough, the Raw Bar hosts their own Jazzy performers and pianists early evenings. Side the live music with the best Appltinis in town or a nice glass of wine! Their full bar and knowledgeable bar staff know how to concoct just about any libation one could muster. A special note also needs to be made to the upbeat and cheerful wait staff who seem to have a knack for providing just the right amount of service, no matter how busy they get!

If you and your date have a panging sweet tooth and are looking to stop someplace special, Margie's Candies is the place for you! Jump into Mr. Peabody's Wayback Machine and set the dial to 1921 to watch this icon get built. Then, fast forward to witness the Beatles' licking their lips there after their first Chicago performance at Comisky Park (that's Sox Park to you newbies!) and notice how little things have changed. Then return back home and still notice how nothing has really changed, except that the owners' kids and grandkids are now the owners, and that Perry Como won't play from the booth's juke boxes anymore.

People travel from all over the world to partake in Margie's delicious frozen dairy treats and mouth watering chocolates. With a half gallon home made specialty sundae touted as the World's Largest and another housed in a vase tall enough for dozens of long stem roses (aptly named the Eiffel Tower) and over fifty (50!) other varies to choose from, it is little wonder why! It is also little wonder why folks are willing to wait up to five times longer for an ice cream at Margie's than they ever would at a 31 Flavors, because quite frankly, it is just plain worth it. Those get topped off with just about every confectionary imaginable, so the sugar fiends can really get a taste of that old school charm.

For those who really want to set their nostalgia meter off the charts, ordering up a root beer float, shake or even a nearly forgotten chocolate phosphate is a great way to stir memories. Of course, the name signifies candy, and the owners sure do make some great ones, making this candy shop the perfect place for picking up a box of chocolates for sweethearts.

The inside and outside d?cor is very dated, but in a good way. Yellowing newspaper clippings and photos adorn the walls, along with dolls and teddy bears, with the minimal seating covered in kitschy vinyl. The place could stand some sprucing up, but just like repairing an antique piece of furniture, sometimes value becomes lost during restoration. Some folks also tend to become stricken with their laid back service, but good things come to those who wait.

If there is a milestone to be celebrated and have a budget to spare, this is the place to go for dinner. Gentlemen don jackets and ties here, and the ladies have a place to show off their most beautiful jewelry in this cultured and sophisticated establishment, formally only open to private club members. Les Nomades is an oasis of sophisticated charm, with its inviting fireplaces, and it is located within walking distance of the Magnificent Mile, the perfect place for a winter dining experience.

If your French is a little on the rusty side and your table etiquette is a bit lacking, all this opulence may seem a bit jarring to complete novices. Don't fret, as the wait staff are very helpful and courteous to all their guests. Reservations should ideally be set at least two weeks ahead of time for after seven. Ask to be seated upstairs, where it is much more quiet and relaxed. Go with the five course prixe fixe, being mindful the portions are smaller than what many Chicagoans are used to but nonetheless satisfying. Les Nomades has a wonderful wine selection, with half bottles being ideal for a couple.

Each menu selection Chef Nugent prepares displays his passion for food, from the appetizers to the desserts. Recommendations include the scallop risotto and the venison, though the rack of lamb comes in at a close second. If there are any complaints to be had, it is in the bread baskets, as those are rather paltry in comparison, though adequate.

Besides the menu, it is the ambiance itself as well as Les Nomades's location that patrons enjoy time and again. Its quiet, classic style and elegance is a haven for those wishing to feel transported out of the hustle and bustle of the city, yet its close proximity to the best shops and hotels make it ideal for those wanting to complete their evening about town. Early arrivals can even opt for the two or three courses, allowing guests to complete their dining experience among all of what the Mag Mile has to offer.

In short, Les Nomades is simply superb for people who want to feel special while celebrating a special occasion.

Why chop houses in Chicago carry an air of pretension is anyone's guess. After all, there isn't a thing wrong with dressing presentable and having a few table manners, but a good steak needs no formal introduction, and Kinzie's Chophouse knows that well. Located downtown by the Merchandise Mart and catering to the local businessmen and artisans by day, this chop house is moderately upscale in decor and demeanor but down to earth when it comes to its food.

Since steaks and chops are the highlights on the menu, focus is placed upon searing them to perfection and using only the choicest cuts. The wait staff are extremely knowledgeable about the different varieties and will patiently explain the differences in each. The Kinzie Cut is the most popular, a sixteen ounce flat iron steak cooked just the way you like it! Of course, those who really love their meat can shoot straight for the top and test the depths of their stomachs with the forty eight ounce whopper of a porterhouse, Chicagoans favorite cut. On the chop side of things are the well received one pounder Apple Wood Smoked Pork Chop as well as the New Zealand Lamb Chops and the Veal Chops.

Of course, those looking to cut back on the red meat will find a nice selection of seafood and pasta dishes available, their Peppercorn Halibut steak being especially noteworthy. Vegetarians will even be pleasantly surprised with some of the selections available, and since Kinzie's aims to please, many salads and entrees can be adjusted to suit their dietary needs.

Kinzie's isn't just for dinner of course, since they have a nice lunch menu that accommodates the locals well. Those who tend to eat there often may find a caricature of themselves gracing the walls! Regulars and newcomers alike will be pleasantly surprised by their award winning and extensive wine list, carrying a wide selection of domestic and imported varieties from all over and accommodating to all price ranges. Of course, no meal would be complete without at least a sampling of their fine desserts, especially the Key Lime Pie and the Chocolate Terrine.

What truly makes Kinzie's a place to check out is the overall service and vibe. The ambiance may not be the absolute classiest, but it has that true Chicago "feel" to it that no one can deny, which makes it a great place to enjoy an excellent meal without needing to take out a small loan. Yes guys, you can leave the tie at home!