Looks like Weiner Circle (2622 N. Clark St., 773-477-7444) is finally getting some competition with the arrival of Dion Antic's Rock Star Dogs in Ukrainian Village.
The pioneering restaurateur behind such memorable joints as Liquid Kitty, Get Me High Lounge, Harry's Velvet Room and of course Iggy's (now Iggys3 at Chicago and Dearborn) opens his late-night hot dog spot in January. There's about 20 dogs on the menu with cool names like Tommy Lee (our foot-long tribute), Los Lobos (Latin-style bacon wrapped dog), Sting (Tantric tofu dog) and the J. Timberlake (Our Cheezy Dog . . .Dawg!). And non hot dog lovers can get The Misfits, two mini cheeseburgers. All sandwiches come with fries and a can of soda, and range $4-$6. It will stay open 'til 4am on most nights, 5am on Saturday. 801 N. Ashland Ave.
Monday, December 10, 2007
Deal of the day . . .
In West Town, Five Star Bar and Grill's (1424 W. Chicago Ave., 312-850-2555) got it all: a pool table, plenty of plasmas to watch the game or news, one of the largest selections of bourbons in town and that infamous stripper pole in the back room.
But it's their nightly specials driving the crowds earlier in the week, such as tonight's: 50 cent mini sandwiches (cheeseburgers, pulled pork or Sloppy Joes), ribs ($6.75 half slab/$10.75 full slab) and the $2 Old Style cans. No takeout.
But it's their nightly specials driving the crowds earlier in the week, such as tonight's: 50 cent mini sandwiches (cheeseburgers, pulled pork or Sloppy Joes), ribs ($6.75 half slab/$10.75 full slab) and the $2 Old Style cans. No takeout.
Sunday, December 9, 2007
Statewide smoking ban doesn't affect everyone
You've got less than a month to smoke in area bars and restaurants, then come Jan. 1 it's to the streets to freeze your ass off when the statewide smoking ban takes effect. Illinois will become the 22nd state to prohibit smoking in nearly all indoor workplaces, with notable exceptions being tobacco stores, nonalcoholic hookah lounges and hotels.
Look for an increase in business in places like Marshall McGearty Tobacco Artisans (1553 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-772-8410), a "tobacco lounge" in Wicker Park, Up Down Cigar (1550 N. Wells St., 312-337-8025) in Old Town and Old Chicago Smoke Shop (10 S. La Salle St., 312-236-9771) in the Financial District.
But what's certain to be an interesting development is over at Sigara Hookah Cafe (2013 W. Division St., 773-292-9190) in Ukrainian Village, where there's a full bar to go along with the more than 30 shiska flavors. According to their web site and an employee at the store, they're in compliance with the new ban, but how is that possible if they'll still have the liquor? A manager wasn't available to address this issue until Tuesday, so we'll be following up.
Look for an increase in business in places like Marshall McGearty Tobacco Artisans (1553 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-772-8410), a "tobacco lounge" in Wicker Park, Up Down Cigar (1550 N. Wells St., 312-337-8025) in Old Town and Old Chicago Smoke Shop (10 S. La Salle St., 312-236-9771) in the Financial District.
But what's certain to be an interesting development is over at Sigara Hookah Cafe (2013 W. Division St., 773-292-9190) in Ukrainian Village, where there's a full bar to go along with the more than 30 shiska flavors. According to their web site and an employee at the store, they're in compliance with the new ban, but how is that possible if they'll still have the liquor? A manager wasn't available to address this issue until Tuesday, so we'll be following up.
Crimson Lounge leads the Nightlife Poll
The Nightlife Poll for Best New Bar of '07 has only been up for a few days, and now Hotel Sax's Crimson Lounge (333 N. Dearborn St., 312-245-0333) is waaaay ahead of the others.
Agree? Disagree? Cast your vote now at the bottom of the page.
Agree? Disagree? Cast your vote now at the bottom of the page.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Marcus Samuelsson’s C-House pushed back
Those waiting for acclaimed Ethiopian chef Marcus Samuelsson (New York's Riingo, Aquavit) to make his Chicago debut will have to wait a little longer.
A call over to Streeterville’s Affinia Chicago Hotel (166 E. Superior St., 312-787-6000), where his Scandinavian-style cuisine will take centerstage at C-House, rewarded 312 Dining Diva with the latest and greatest info. Turns out that the hotel is still renovating and running behind schedule, so the restaurant will not be opening in early 2008, as other media outlets have been reporting.
At this point, they’re looking for C-House to open in late March or possibly sometime in April. Really, who knows, as you know how these things go. As usual, we’ll keep you posted.
Soiree opens this weekend
There’s absolutely no relation between the two, but Soiree Bar and Bistro (2438 N. Lincoln Ave., 773-477-8880) just opened in Lincoln Park and Soiree Bar and Restaurant recently closed over at 4539 N. Lincoln Ave.
That’s where the similarities end as the former replaces The Gramercy—an overrated Lincoln Park college bar masquerading as a Miami-esque lounge. New owners have replaced the all-white interior with lush colors of crimson and purple hues. And they’ve added a menu of French-American bites, which is targeted toward those who sit in the front section.
It’ll be interesting to see if the young, post-collegiate crowd that frequents this Lincoln Avenue strip warms up to the idea of this pretty sophisticated concept dropped in the middle of frat boy heaven.
That’s where the similarities end as the former replaces The Gramercy—an overrated Lincoln Park college bar masquerading as a Miami-esque lounge. New owners have replaced the all-white interior with lush colors of crimson and purple hues. And they’ve added a menu of French-American bites, which is targeted toward those who sit in the front section.
It’ll be interesting to see if the young, post-collegiate crowd that frequents this Lincoln Avenue strip warms up to the idea of this pretty sophisticated concept dropped in the middle of frat boy heaven.
Friday, December 7, 2007
Weekend dealios . . .
Not sure what you've got going on this weekend, but if you've got wine on your mind—and shopping for your wine enthusiast friends—head over to Randolph Street Cellars (1415 W. Randolph St., 312-942-1212). Every Saturday, they're popping open some wines for you to sample as you shop. 2-6pm.
And if the infamous Uptown Poetry Slam at Green Mill (4802 N. Broadway, 773-878-5552) is your thing, get to Agami (4712 N. Broadway, 773-506-1845) first for half-price cocktails and sushi at the bar. $6 for Uptown Poetry Slam; 7-10pm Sundays.
And if the infamous Uptown Poetry Slam at Green Mill (4802 N. Broadway, 773-878-5552) is your thing, get to Agami (4712 N. Broadway, 773-506-1845) first for half-price cocktails and sushi at the bar. $6 for Uptown Poetry Slam; 7-10pm Sundays.
What the critics are saying . . .
. . . about:
Honky Tonk Barbeque (1213 W. 18th St., 312-226-7427): "Memphis-style baby backs and Saint Louis-style spare ribs are sprinkled with a mildly piquant dry rub, then cooked low and slow to render fat while leaving loads of flavor on the bone."—David Hammond (Chicago Reader)
The Gage (24 S. Michigan Ave., 312-372-4243): "Downtown's the Gage has a split personality, and that's a good thing. In the front is a traditional pub with one of the city's best Guinness pours. At the back of this turn-of-the-century building is a more serious restaurant, with big booths and plenty of tablecloth-covered tables. But no matter where you sit, you win with Irish-inspired food from Chef Dirk Flanigan (Meritage, Blue Water Grill)."—Lisa Shames (UR Chicago)
Les Nomades (222 E. Ontario St., 312-649-9010): "For a bigger punch of flavor, I preferred (Chris) Nugent's elegant take on salade Lyonnaise — frisée and lardons meet octopus and a poached quail egg. The sweet tartness of aged sherry vinegar ties it all together, offsetting the salty bacon and just-charred hint of grilled seafood."—Alison Neumer Lara (Crain's Chicago Business)
Honky Tonk Barbeque (1213 W. 18th St., 312-226-7427): "Memphis-style baby backs and Saint Louis-style spare ribs are sprinkled with a mildly piquant dry rub, then cooked low and slow to render fat while leaving loads of flavor on the bone."—David Hammond (Chicago Reader)
The Gage (24 S. Michigan Ave., 312-372-4243): "Downtown's the Gage has a split personality, and that's a good thing. In the front is a traditional pub with one of the city's best Guinness pours. At the back of this turn-of-the-century building is a more serious restaurant, with big booths and plenty of tablecloth-covered tables. But no matter where you sit, you win with Irish-inspired food from Chef Dirk Flanigan (Meritage, Blue Water Grill)."—Lisa Shames (UR Chicago)
Les Nomades (222 E. Ontario St., 312-649-9010): "For a bigger punch of flavor, I preferred (Chris) Nugent's elegant take on salade Lyonnaise — frisée and lardons meet octopus and a poached quail egg. The sweet tartness of aged sherry vinegar ties it all together, offsetting the salty bacon and just-charred hint of grilled seafood."—Alison Neumer Lara (Crain's Chicago Business)
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