Neighborhood: Logan Square

This store front Thai restaurant serves up some pretty good noodles and more, adding a fair amount of spice at the right price and has become a local favorite over several years. They're not the best in the world and the servers could stand to smile once in a while, but it sure is some darn good eatin' and fills you up when your palate craves a little something different.

Since I live a few blocks away, the location couldn't be any better. I tend to get take out on most occasions and chill with a Thai iced or bubble tea while I'm waiting, but when I do eat in with my entourage, we're never disappointed and usually need a box to take some home! The Vietnamese spring rolls are good, as is the Pad Thai and cury dishes. Crab rangoons are always good, and well, it's a recipe that's pretty hard to mess up. Now if you are a noodle nut like I am, keep this place in mind, because like I said, price per portion, the servings are pretty large, and this is where they really do their Thai justice! For people who don't particularly care for traditional Thai flavorings, they offer a speckling of standard Chinese fare – the orange chicken and Mongolian beef are better than average.

The overall décor is charming, fairly lit and unassuming, and I admit to being a sucker for wood. The seating can be a little tight, but that goes without saying for quite a lot of Chicago restaurants these days. However, I wouldn't call this a place you could impress a date with, since while the food comes out fast and consistently good, the wait staff are notoriously curt and sometimes not very pleasant. It's better for hanging out with friends while chilling over a few BYOB drinks instead – enjoy your meal and forget about the owners. What's nice about this place however is they offer fast and reliable delivery service, in case you decide to keep it in for the evening, so it might be a good idea to keep that tidbit of info on the back burner for another time.

Boy, I sure do love to check out brand new establishments, and this one is just within ear shot of my home, so that made me extra happy. The menu is a nice addition to the other restaurants nearby, Americana with pizazz, and they are already getting a lot of regulars, so there holds a lot of promise here. I would say though that they have a few kinks to work out, but I'll save the complaints for later. For now, let's just dive in to all the good they have to offer.

The first thing you'll notice is how this place looks an awful lot like an upscale hunting lodge, especially with that antler chandelier! It doesn't quite match the exterior, and I found it to be a little creepy yet alluring at the same time. The overall warm, cozy and inviting, modern vibe does it for me, and with it being pretty chilly out there right now, I can definitely take that. It would be nice to see a fire place in there to add to its overall woody charm, but I digress. The volume level is good too, making it a good place to relax with that special someone.

Now onto the food! There seem to be quite a good number of selections to go by, but since the place is so new, I am not a judge of all of them. I liked the endless flat bread, though a dipping sauce of sorts would have done it a bit more justice. The gouda macaroni and cheese is warm, creamy and has just a nice bit of crunch to it, chalking it up a few notches past what I can whip up at home. The vegetable pot pie is very comforting, and I liked that they include sweet potatoes as a new twist. And the fish and chips was a pleasant surprise, as it's very fresh. Others rave about their Rustik burger, which is a patty stuffed with gouda, bacon and chorizo (interesting!), though the tiny fries I could live without. And others still swear by the bef burgundy stew. Oh and go with the German butter cake for dessert... heavenly!

Now it's no secret this place is brand spanking new, but I do need to mention the slow, spotty and overall unsure service so far, which is again probably because they are new, too. The other thing is Wow! That front area is mighty chilly! Getting a vestibule set up might not be such a bad idea! So, if you stop by, be sure to request a table further back.

No longer a novelty only relished by the aristocratic types held in tucked away, European chalets, wine tasting is something no couple should live without experiencing. There is just something special about going to a quaint wine shop for a tasting that can really bring a couple together, and Provenance is certainly the place to go! And with the tastings at this location usually being complimentary, it sure does stretch the budget for opting for some wonderful gifts later on, of which Provenance is stocked and ready to accommodate.

What I like about this place is how special you feel as soon as you walk in the door. The wine and cheese selections are decent and perfectly priced, plenty under $10, with very caring, helpful and knowledgeable service who don't mind chatting over that passion for good food and drink. Beautiful gift baskets are also available, which are perfect for folks who are on their way to dinner parties and are unsure what to bring. And, since that wonderful Thai place practically next door, Sai Mail is BYOB, the location couldn't be any more convenient!

The other thing I really like, besides the fact you don't have to jump in the car to get a few needful things, is just how fresh and flavorful everything is! Hormones and other weird ingredients are relegated to the chain stores, though the prices are surprisingly fair. Goodies like chocolate truffles and scones are also available, as are bakery fresh breads, crackers and other tasty nibbles. They even offer a decent array of spices and pastas, which allows for the novices and experienced chefs alike to surprise their dates with a quick, home cooked meal that is truly gourmet. Nothing says romance than showing up with a small bag of groceries, preparing and then savoring culinary decadence you infused with your own creativity.

I personally believe they follow the “Kill 'em with Kindness” philosophy, because I have yet to meet anyone who hasn't left there grinning ear to ear – the happiness is just so infectious! Even the cute, paper shopping bags make me happy, turning a quick trip in the neighborhood into an enriching experience. And once you take in a visit, I'm sure you'll be stopping by again and again.

Love, love, LOVE Buona Terra! I went here on a date for Valentine's Day a couple years back, and have happily made it one of my favorite local places! The food is good and very traditional, the atmosphere is relaxed, the wait staff are really on top of their game, the bar and wine choices are respectable, and hey - no sticker shock when you leave! And yes, bless them for having the smarts to space out the tables apart from the next guy while dining – I appreciate that! They even sett up more tables outside when it's warm out, al fresco dining in such a pretty neighborhood is a wonderful experience in and of itself.

What sets this place apart from many other Italian restaurants in the city is they do not put the bulk of their emphasis on pizza. In fact, I'm pretty sure they don't even make any pies! The consistently busy buzz is pretty evident of how good this place is in every sense of the word, so making a reservation is a pretty smart idea. If you have never been here before, be sure to make your first visit on a Thursday for their prixe fixe. Thursday is an amazing deal - $20 for an appetizer, entree and a dessert! And yes, many of the specials are fair game!

One of the biggest winners here is veal stuffed ravioli in a brandy cream sauce, though the chicken alla provinciana is another winner. I don't care for the gnocci though; the sauce is good, but the Gnocchi itself is pretty blahzee. What usually wins me over is the bread service and appetizers – if they're good, then the rest of the night is usually set – and this place does not disappoint! They serve this incredible cheesy, garlicy bread that you really should ask seconds on, and the fried calamari is probably the only non greasy variety I have ever seen. And for you dessert lovers, try the Gelato or Tiramisu... simply divine!

If I must make a point of contention is the parking around here is a bit tight, but you will probably find something within a couple blocks, so hit the side streets. Also, be prepared to be waiting by the door for an hour anytime after 7pm if you didn't make reservations, because this place does get busy. Even so, you might be able to score a spot at the bar.

Have you been noticing the same trend I have lately - that “Dive Bars” are in, but the places springing up are really more like a commercialized Crabby Ole Mondays than a genuine hole in the wall? Well, for those of you who are fed up with the wanna be’s can rejoice, because The Mutiny truly IS a dive! It’s dark, dank and really rank, where the pool is free, the drinks are cheap, there’s never a cover and the guy’s can claim the dubious distinction of relieving themselves in what is quite possibly the world’s largest urinal… one of which us rubber necking ladies feel the need to get a sneaky peek of!

This is a place where you can shackle yourself to the bar and get loaded from a mere twenty, thanks to the frosty half pitchers! At the same time, you can get acquainted with the regulars, some of which are really past the expiration date, all while admiring a dizzying array of local art on the drop ceiling tiles overhead - some of it is really impressive! Add to that a fun juke box that caters to just about every rockin’ taste and live bands that pass a pitcher around for tips (since they don’t charge at the door). How much fun can a group have when they really do want to slum it?

The bands that play here are usually of the Punkish persuasion, though 80s cover bands and metal acts do find their way inside. The tie that binds is the acts are all pretty much starving artists looking to get a little stage time, so don’t expect too many up and comers or bands traveling from anywhere further than the south side. However, just like the prizes in a Cracker Jack box, you never know what you’re going to get: probably nothing with much pizzazz but plenty of moxie to make up for it.

Now of course, that make shift stage in back looks like it’s ready to collapse at any second, the sound is pretty bad, there aren’t a whole lot of places to cop a squat, there’s a weird smell you can’t quite put a finger on and Fire Marshall Bill might have something to say about the crowds. But personally, I think it just adds to the charm. The people are genuinely nice and easy going, and the bands play their hearts out, hoping to rattle a few wallets in order to scrape up some gas money home. Really, this place is a whole package, and singling out all it’s ills and woes does not do it justice. Needless to say, elitists, germaphobics and A-List bands would probably rather find someplace else to go.

Now this place has nowhere near the best pizza in Chicago or Italian cuisine for that matter, but for the cost and ambiance, it sure is a great place to take a date! You almost literally walk through a time capsule here, where every aspect of this restaurant is very late 60s / early 70s mobster scene. One has to wonder if ole boy Quentin had scoped this place out when he was looking for a place to film the bar scenes in Pulp Fiction! In fact, I believe the juke box even has some Marvin on the play list!

The food is pretty decent, but again, nothing to write home about; it’s certainly not egg noodles and ketchup like Henry Hill complained about in Goodfellas! They do a pretty good job with the steaks, and the mozzarella sticks are huge and pretty tasty. And if you’re looking for a classic drink concoction, that’s what they do best around here, so feel free to go with the flow and go totally retro - good and strong! If you want something more on the modern side of things, the bar staff are very accommodating and will take their time to make sure they mix your drink to your specifications.

What diners go for is the very charming, laid back and dim atmosphere, where the service is by far superior than just about any other Italian place in the city. Each patron is made to feel like an old friend that has been coming here for years, offering up just the right amount of service. And those big, round booths in the bar area serve as the perfect spots for getting in some PDA time!

If you decide to keep it at home for the night, this place does a great job with their delivery service. The prices are pretty reasonable, the portions very large, and the drivers are pretty fast. An added bonus is their drivers will stop and pick up beer and cigarettes for you, so if the weather is pretty lousy or you don’t want to lose the moment by having to get up and hit the liquor store, that bit of info is a gem within itself. Also, keep this place in mind for parties, since Congress sells a Stadium Pizza that’s bigger than two large ones for a really low price!

The very first thing most people notice about LSA is the fact this place looks strikingly similar to their high school gymnasiums, from institutional stair cases to the waxy hard wood floors, right down to the caged, high ceiling windows. In fact, the only thing missing

is the caged wall clock to protect it from ricocheting dodge balls! And, since it hosts all ages shows, the floors tend to be scattered with kids squatting on the floor with their friends in a circular fashion, almost in a surreal Duck, Duck, Goose! scenario.

The large stage set against the far back wall is somewhat risen with a very good sound and lighting system to counter act the natural, echoey acoustics and also offers a decent vantage point from just about everywhere. And, when the place is at least half full, the sound somehow fills the room fairly well, with notable exception to the tiny, pricey bar area and puny, dingy bathrooms, which all seem to have been built as an after thought.

Most of the booking is done by the Empty Bottle for acts and show cases that demand a larger venue (LSA has a 700 capacity). As such, the bands booked are just as varied, but are generally of a higher caliper, though door prices are just as reasonable. Bands set up their

merch along the right side of the entrance, leaving the left side open for those who want to scale the wall a bit for an even better vantage point or for copping a squat between sets. There is a mezzanine seating section above, though the stairway is typically roped off for band members and their entourage.

While parking can be a challenge closer to show time, the Blue Line Logan Square stop is directly across the street, and a decent amount of cabs and all night buses are nearby. The neighborhood is pretty safe, so finding non permit parking a couple blocks into the residential areas is pretty secure. Just remember to keep everything of value out of sight. Also, remember to bring cash, as no cards are accepted. Food is non existent, but in and out is perfectly fine, so feel free to head outside to Johnny's Grill, Lula Cafe or Dunlay's around the corner. Also, the bar in Lula's sells cheap PBRs!

One thing that I really don't like about this place, other than the parking issue and the pricey beer, is the security guys they use. It's rumored that many are off duty cops who take their jobs way too seriously, bouncing kids like rag dolls for even the most minor of offenses. If that one issue can be rectified, I would be a very happy camper.

Now here is a place that, yes, is in massive need of a rehab, because The Congress sure does look like it's ready to fall apart at any second when the lights are on. But when the lights are down and people are hopping, the flaws are hidden and its old school charm really shines through.

There are quite a few other pluses worthy of mention that cancels out the negatives and makes this place great to catch a show and shake your money maker! The high domed ceiling is a true piece of art which provides great sound when the place is full. The floor below is sloped at just the right degree, making any place you stand or dance not only comfortable but also a great spot to see the raised stage. The mezzanine theatre seating upstairs is first come, first served, so early arrivals who aren't there to mosh or dance can enjoy the show in comfort and provides a spectacular view of everyone below. And the bathrooms may not be the most tidy but the lines even to the women's rooms aren't all that bad.

Now while catching a cab on this stretch of Milwaukee is still a rarity, The Congress has really stepped up on the parking issue by utilizing the big lot down the street at the CVS, and it's only a few blocks away from the all night Blue Line, which is a couple short stops away from the happening Wicker Park scene. Also, one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, El Cid, is right down the street, which provides free parking at that same CVS lot, so crafty show goers could go there first for great food and margaritas!

Now since the place is so much bigger than even the mighty Metro, big name bands have been venturing over to this venue instead of even the House of Blues downtown. That is really a blessing, because people who want to park on the street can do so within a few blocks. With any luck, the bigger shows will put some money into that rehab coffer and help revitalize the surrounding neighborhood. Also, while beer may be on the pricey side here, the last time I was there, the guys were coming back from the bathroom with beer in hand, due to witty vendors selling two by two to guys waiting in the urinal lines. Now if that doesn't add to the convenience, than the cheap coat check available certainly does!

Lordy, Lordy, look at all those brews on the chalk board! They're currently standing at 267 varieties to choose from, hailing from all parts of the world, and maybe even other galaxies! What is this, a geography lesson? Drafts change regularly, featuring stuff most people probably never heard of but fun to try out. Hey: with a name like that, they had BETTER have enough to drink!

Quencher's is a local hot spot for hipsters, locals and even lap tops that features great local acts almost every night of the week, with free popcorn to make folks even more thirsty. They even have a photo booth to capture that sweet, sweet drunken lapse of reasoning! And with the band area spaced out far enough away from the front, folks who want to just hang out and shoot the breeze can do so without blowing out their buddy's ear drum in the process.

Located smack dab on the corner of Fullerton and Western and away from most of the other scene sites, Quencher's plays hosts to some of the most eclectic crowds in town who go out of their way to get there, and hey, they serve up some darn good eatin' pub grub food as well. (Tater tots just plain rock!) Daylight hours tend to be on the mellow side, where the back room takes on a flair more like a coffee house than a bar, but at night and especially on weekends, this place can get really hopping with crowds from all walks of life.

What makes this place cool is the fact that anyone is truly welcome, even people pushing 40 and who sometimes may beg to get carded. Bar flies shackled to the stools are more than welcome here, and yes, the bar keep actually know their regulars' names. Of course, ample youthage on a scene night out are also prevalent, along with all those beer snobs this place just may have been built for.

So hey, come on down and try out something that's hard to pronounce, check out a band and chill out with some new friends. Just remember to bring a small wad of cash, because the only card that's accepted here is a driver's license.

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!