Vegetarians: stay far, far away, lest ye craves a lesson in nightmarish torture! This is Man’s Country, baby, as steaks served up at this Western-themed, suburban steak house are not for the meek (or even the health-conscious). Al's Char-House proves a great steak does not have to be located in the city, have an elegant or trendy setting or include a hefty price tag. Nor does require proper dining etiquette or attire. The steaks carry plenty of weight on their own!
“Oh. My. Gawd!” That is almost unanimously the first thing people state when their orders are brought, no, scratch that - thumped, onto the table down at Al‘s. No lie! In fact, a question poses out of a curiosity if new wait staff are required to bench at least 250lbs. before applying. Al’s popular and super-tender 56oz Char-House steak should probably be sided with a doggie bag, as very few people can tackle it in a single sitting. Complimented with delicious raisin pumpernickel bread and honey butter, baked potato, steamed veggies and a choice of soup or salad, every meal is transformed into a gluttonous memory in and of itself.
Yes, there are smaller portions and cuts available, but none of them warrant a tag like quaint, dainty or especially presumptuous. Aside from the 56er, there are other choice cuts featured people will want to explore, such as their 48oz Porterhouse and the 32oz Texas Sirloin. A nice selection of drinks are available from their full bar, though sticking with a good beer or glass of wine sides best. The muscular wait staff is knowledgeable yet laid back, and the chefs have a solid understanding of what constitutes as “rare”.
Keeping in mind families are welcome, most couples will probably want to go to Al’s later in the evening, when the kids are already fast asleep and the traffic from out of the city is lighter. Besides, a place like this needs time to work up an appetite and is definitely worth the drive!
Don’t let the newspaper-themed and reasonably priced menu deceive you: Chicago Joe's cuts out on all of the fluff and only offers the best the city has to offer! With its shoot from the hip slogans and their famous raw oysters, this trendy location that literally screams Chicago and is sure to make any night a Friday night out!
As expected by natives, world famous Joe’s aims to please with its gut busting portions and decadent flavors. Besides the fall off the bone ribs and incredible Italian sausages, guests are treated to giant burgers, homemade soups, and their popular Oysters Rockefeller. Even vegetarians will be pleasantly surprised to find a few items on the menu, like their veggie burgers and sides. Oh and yes, try the key lime pie for dessert, if there‘s room!
Also, be sure to check out their amazingly fresh brunch buffet on Sundays, which is quite possibly one of the best spreads in the city. Their eye opening Bloody Marys compliment just about everything available, from the fresh salmon to traditional breakfast standbys. Nobody leaves here hungry!
So, for out of towners and locals alike, Joe’s has something for everyone and encourages all of their new found friends to Vote (for Joe’s!) Early and Often!
If your date happens to be the antiquing type who simply adores authentic turn of the century, functional light fixtures, statuaries, moldings, beveled glass and paintings and also happens to love a good Chicago pizza, then Gulliver's on the far north side is a must!
Hearts flutter and jaws lie agape simply walking in the door, as the ambiance is absolutely breathtaking, many layers thick in stunning beauty. The owner boasts as having the largest such collection in the country, making the wait for a nice, thick pizza seem to fly right on by. The wooden bench tables adds to the flair, the delicate lighting is set just right and the HUGE outdoor garden makes for a beautiful, romantic evening.
Fresh, inventive and exhaustive toppings abound like artichoke hearts and eggplant are complimented with a perfect sauce, thick with tomatoes. The crust is thick, hearty and yes, crusty, and in true Chicago fashion, they don’t hold back on the cheese!
For those looking for something different, Gulliver’s offers a huge selection of authentic Italian entrees even staunch foodie critics rave about, and their steaks are cooked to perfection, with Mexican and even Chinese fare thrown in for a surprise bonus. Even their appetizers think big in terms of variety, like their avocado egg rolls. No stone has been left unturned, be it in its museum-quality decor, the expansive menu or in the pride and love put into the food.
So, while Chicagoans have a plethora of pizza places to choose from, all boasting to be the best, it’s Gulliver’s overall experience that makes it the best place for food and dining.
Before hitting a show at the Aragon Ballroom or making it a jazzy evening at the Green Mill, be sure to check out this authentic Chinese restaurant located in the heart of Uptown. Outside of Chinatown itself, the Silver Seafood is the best place for Chinese food in the entire city, featuring some of the freshest seafood around, many times right out of the tank. It’s little wonder why locals insist upon making this their must-hit dining spot!
Don’t let its outward appearance fool you, because once you step inside, this seemingly small Chinese joint opens up as wide as the ocean itself, capable of handling all those repeat hungry customers. The lighting is a bit on the bright side and the decor isn’t exactly extravagant, but because the food is simply that good and unique, the Silver Seafood proves to be a great place to break the ice before that big night.
So, while she ain’t pretty, she sure is good, and its close proximity to the Uptown scene makes it a standout among the gritty burrito joints and Vietnamese restaurants dotting the landscape.
Located just beyond Chicago’s western boundary and next door to the dry town of Oak Park is this popular Irish pub and grub that is sure to win over any sweetheart! With an inviting country atmosphere, its large beer garden complete with its own bar and plenty of fun and friendly locals, Horan's Snug is a place where anyone is welcome, from business professionals to blue collared laborers and just about everyone in between.
The main bar is well-stocked with a large variety of top shelf libations and a nice selection of brews, hosted by very talented and knowledgeable bar staff who can concoct anything desired. Not to be seconded is its homey menu, which features nightly specials of both contemporary and traditional Irish fare. Some of the biggest requests include the shepherd’s pie, the steaks and the Big Snug, a burger so large the meek should not even consider ordering. In the summer months, people from all walks of life enjoy the charming beer garden out back, with dim lighting and delicate theme, making patrons feel as though they’re spending an evening at a good friend’s back yard.
In addition to the wining and dining is their popular karaoke nights starting at 10pm, comprising of over 35,000 song selections from every genre imaginable, guaranteed to keep the night hopping! People are known to travel from the city and outlying suburbs just to croon! Also, because Horan’s is located on Forest Park’s main strip, marauding party-goers frequent this establishment and tend to hunker down in the later hours, making last calls hard to enforce!
This combination undoubtedly makes for any kind of evening a couple could want, from a casual dinner and drinks to a wild shindig later at night. It’s little wonder Horan’s is so popular, and why I highly recommend it to all of my friends!
On the outside, this Mt Prospect pizza joint and bar adjoin its neighboring businesses in a reminiscent display of a classic European village. On the inside, Ye Olde Town Inn is a mish-mash of kitschy old school Americana can be found the walls, while the game area in back offers a glimpse of the kitchen preparing the pizzas that made this establishment a local standby.
Friday and Saturday nights feature hard rock and heavy metal acts, both local and touring, and an excellent selection of micro brews and imports are available at the adjacent bar. Free WiFi and large satellite TV’s are also present, making YOTI a great spot for catching the game while munching on wings, sticks and other appetizers. Those looking to avoid the fat can chow down on their pastas featuring their own sauce or the super fresh Ye Olde Garden Patch salad that serves as a meal in itself!
The thing that makes this place a stand-out above all of the hundreds of other pizza shops around Chicago is its unassuming and caring staff. Every customer is treated as an old friend, checking superficial and otherwise fancy nuances at the door. Also, an extension to their commitment to the community is displayed by donating all of their proceeds for shows, as well as collecting non-perishable food for the hungry.
So, for those who like it loud and proud, Ye Olde Town Inn (or YOTI as regulars affectionately like to call it) serves up a rockin’ good time while treating its guests to some of the best thin pizza and biggest burgers in all of Chicagoland!
Why on Earth am I listing a hot dog stand as a place to take your date on a romantic encounter? Because quite simply, Superdawg is a one of a kind, nostalgic experience that will make your date swoon! From the car hops, to the Tarzan- and Jane-themed Maurie and Flaurie hot dog characters winking from above, to the diamond-patterned walls and right down to the "Hiya!" messages on the boxes, this is a place that creates memories for young and old alike. Both my mom and I cut our teeth at this place among millions of others, and is also one of the places I always hope to go to at least once year.
Superdawg’s kitschy menu features items like the Whoopskidawg (a Polish sausage sandwich) and the Whoopercheesie (a double cheeseburger) and also touts their Supershakes as so thick that they provide their customers with a straw, just to prove it can’t be used. Of course, what brings people back time and again is the world famous Superdawg, which has all the Chicago-standard condiments, including a bright green relish (or piccalilli as they say) and tangy, pickled green tomato wedges. I admit, I love those tomatoes so much, I tend to steal them off everyone else’s orders! All their sandwiches (sammiches in Chicago tongue) come with some of the best crinkle-cut French fries in town and are packaged in cute boxes, featuring Maurie napping on a fold-out recliner, thanking customers from the bottom of his pure beef heart for stopping by.
Some of the nicest car hops ever to exist bring out the cash-only orders and rest them on open window ledges, so dining at this location requires the weather to play along. Orders can also be taken at their small, indoor dining area or placed at the indoor pickup window, perhaps to be enjoyed at the forest preserve across the street. Catering is also available, which can rest assured make a unique impression on visiting family, clients and perhaps even those potential wedding guests. Vegetarians would find relatively few items acceptable on their menu, though even many vegans I know simply fall in love with the overall décor, as well as those fries and tomatoes!
Located near the northern Chicago border of Rogers Park, this local institution serves up a wide selection of organic vegetarian and free range fare, with a peace lovin’ hippie vibe no other restaurant can compare.
Founded back around the time of that infamous Democratic Convention, the Heartland Cafe has been a place where activists can meet and post bulletins, folk musicians can sing about the events of the day, and strict vegetarians can bring their carnivorous friends to dine together on variants of traditional and contemporary favorites. Tie dyes, cut offs and sandals aren’t necessary, since the Heartland makes a point of welcoming each and every person, no matter what path they may follow.
A vegetarian’s dream come true, the Heartland offers a large selection of meat-free entrees, sandwiches and appetizers, like their Seitan Barbecue sandwich, the Macro Plate and their ever so Spicy Black Bean burger. Decadent desserts like the Mixed Berry or Peach pie are so good, no one would be the wiser it’s vegan! Customers can also try out some of their various meat-based dishes, like their famous Buffalo burgers, Chipotle Shrimp, Chicken Chardonnay or the Farm Raised Catfish. Their Buffalo Sirloin steak is a real crowd-pleaser and comes complete with garlic mashed potatoes, bread, veggies and topped off with grilled onions.
A nice compliment to any meal is a good drink, and their famous Buffalo Bar serves people up right! Literally dozens of domestics, micro brews and imports are available, making it one of the best places in the entire city for finding those rare libations no one else carries. Grab a pint while checking out a performance!
Besides the restaurant and bar, a main attraction is the general store and gift shop guests walk through upon entering, taking them through a virtual time warp back to the Woodstock era. People far and wide enjoy exploring their vast display of periodicals and gifts, chatting with the owners about various causes, points of action or just shooting the breeze.
Overall, the Heartland Café is quite possibly one of the best places in the entire city for taking just about anyone, from the stuffy suits to the granola-munchers, and everyone in between.
Hold onto your bibs folks, because Fat Willy's Rib Shack makes short order out of southern cooking with its finger lickin’, smoky fare! From the baby back ribs to the brisket and right down to the pecan pie, everyone within whiff shot of this artery-clogging rib joint is sure to start salivating - the name says it all!
Right across from the large cineplex, Fat Willy’s invites its guests to savor in its variety of traditional southern favorites, like baked macaroni and cheese, vinegar coleslaw and pulled pork sandwiches, on top of the best beef brisket in town and yes, let's not forget about those ribs and tips! Of course, the foundation of any good barbeque is its sauce, and Fat Willy’s own concoction is no exception. Bottles of two coldsore aching varieties are available, with the hot sauce contained in the pancake house-style syrup bottle. Sop it up with their steak fries and Texas toast!
Sides abound and compliment entrees, like baked sweet potatoes, home made corn bread and roasted corn on the cob. For those looking for something a little more on the light side of things, their Roasted Veggie salad is fresh, flavorful and otherwise top notch, justifying its $14 price tag. And be sure to wash it all down with one of their famous Hogaritas or southern sweet tea.
The ambiance can be jarring for those who require quiet, personal space, as most of the indoor, cow hide patterned tables are pushed snugly together. The outdoor patio is probably better suited, but can also get vocal, due to its proximity to the lines forming from the theater. Unless it’s early, the place is usually hopping with couples and even families, making the decibel level rather high. Therefore, it is highly advised for those making it a dinner and movie night to choose a later film, since the small dining area can become quite busy and staff can sometimes be short handed.
So for those who want a great place to go and offer enormous portions, Fat Willy’s proves to be the ideal spot for great food and lots of fun!
Clustered among several other Hispanic-inspired restaurants and take-out joints, both El Cid and El Cid II provide an oasis with a wide variety of filling and delicious Mexican fare, all at very reasonable prices.
Both restaurants offer an extensive list of authentic selections, from carne astada burritos to their popular chile rellenos, and many items can be made with as little or as much heat as desired. Their only contemporary facet is in their health-conscious cooking: vegetable oil is exchanged for lard, and only the choicest cuts and freshest ingredients make the cut. Even strict vegetarians will be pleasantly surprised to find plenty of items to choose from! A full bar is available, but the margaritas and Mojitos are by far some of the best in the city and tend to overshadow every other selection. Customers are also treated to a spread of warm, fresh chips and home made pico de gallo, verde salsa and pickled jalapenos, along with live music on Wednesday evenings.
While the original El Cid on Milwaukee offers plenty of parking and has a festive decor, it's the sister location that wins hands down for the overall experience! El Cid II has a charming, beautiful outdoor patio that begs couples to enjoy in warmer weather, and can sometimes become a bit packed, making reservations a recommendation. Their fabulous made to order margaritas are mixed with quality tequila, and their small but decadent choice of desserts should be sampled, if there's any room to spare! Also, the staff is knowledgeable, pleasant and courteous, even during rush periods.
Overall, both restaurants offer a fun and casual escape for an inexpensive evening out, ideal for couples new and old. They are truly the rare, hidden gems of Logan Square.
Vegetarians: stay far, far away, lest ye craves a lesson in nightmarish torture! This is Man’s Country, baby, as steaks served up at this Western-themed, suburban steak house are not for the meek (or even the health-conscious). Al's Char-House proves a great steak does not have to be located in the city, have an elegant or trendy setting or include a hefty price tag. Nor does require proper dining etiquette or attire. The steaks carry plenty of weight on their own!
Located near the northern Chicago border of Rogers Park, this local institution serves up a wide selection of organic vegetarian and free range fare, with a peace lovin’ hippie vibe no other restaurant can compare. 