Kleiner's Back in SoLo with Movie Theater Lounge

(Photo: Urban Daddy Chicago)


I can tell you right now that what I'm looking most forward to at Jerry Kleiner's newest spot, The Lobby Lounge at ShowPlace Icon Theatre, is the bacon-infused popcorn paired with a bottle of bubbly. Our obsession with it began when we first visited his 33 Club in Old Town.

Urban Daddy also gives us a sneak preview of what else to expect at Kleiner's big-screen debut in the South Loop, which opens Thursday:

"After getting off the escalator, you'll pass the concessions stand and follow the gilded-framed photos of De Niro, Depp and Uma up the stairs. First, you'll notice floor-to-ceiling windows offering panoramic views of the city.

Well, actually you'll probably notice a Fiat 500 sitting at the top of the stairs—that sort of thing kind has way of catching one's eye. And then you'll probably spy that magnificent central bar with white leather club chairs and a plush red seating area. And more Uma photos. But, trust us, you'll definitely get around to the view."

The Bristol Gets the Props It Deserves . . .

The Bristol was the only Chicago restaurant named to GQ's "Best New Restaurants in America" list. (Photo: Neil Burger)


After getting dissed and placed on Esquire's honorable mention best restaurants of 2009 list, The Bristol finally gets the recognition it deserves.

It was the only Chicago restaurant named to GQ's 10 Best New Restaurants in America list:

"Bristol is laid-back and luscious, a neighborhood restaurant with food the neighbors weren't sure they were going to like until they got the courage to stop in. If it all sounds too weird, have the chicken. It's a plain boneless bird with mustardy spaetzle, about as sensational as simple gets."

Look for them in the January issue.

Speaking of Best New Restaurants, don't forget to vote in the third-annual 312DD Best New Restaurant Poll!

Warm Up to Wrigleyville's Newest Attraction . . .

Not everyone wants to traipse down to Millennium Park for ice skating, so get ready for The Rink at Wrigley, adjacent from Wrigley Field at Clark and Waveland streets.

It's going down Dec. 19 through February, admission is $10 for adults, $6 for kids and $50 for a season pass.

While you're over there in Wrigleyville, get some grub, get some drinks:

Nuts on Clark: What's winter without roasted nuts and toasted caramel corn?! You'll find it here at this 30-plus-year, mom-and-pop shop minus the crazy-ass lines down at the Garrett's Popcorn stores.

Rockit Bar & Grill Wrigleyville: They're whipping up extra special sippers for you to warm up to after skating, such as Hot Rockit Chocolate (freshly shaved Cadbury chocolate, fresh whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, Bailey’s and Butterscotch Schnapps) and Super Cider (apple cider, Kilo Kai Spiced Rum, cloves, allspice, cinnamon sticks, maple syrup, orange peels and apple wedge dusted in cinnamon for garnish). Both $8.

Socca: You'll find a number of share-able "pizzettes" on the menu, including our faves topped with shrimp, bacon or tomato basil. Owner/chef Roger Herring is also mighty proud of his signature burger, which comes topped with pancetta, caramelized onions and gorgonzola.

Uncommon Ground: The Wrigleyville landmark is best known for its java, but we also love it for the booze! If you really need a jolt, we recommend Neal Cassady’s Coffee, made with Madagascar vanilla bean house-infused Jim Beam whiskey, Black Cat double espresso and steamed maple cream.

Yak-Zies Bar & Grill: And there's no other place to get wings in this 'hood than Yak-Zies, which make them so tasty and hot we suggest you eat them before you take on the rink.