Billing itself as the top Irish hangout in town, The Abbey Restaurant and Bar serves traditional Irish fare with plenty of Guinness on tap.
The Abbey Restaurant and Pub
3420 W. Grace St.
773/478-4408
Open daily from 11 am to 2 am
Craving lingonberries for lunch? Ann Sathers is renowned for its Swedish cuisine, freshly baked pies and homemade breads. This Chicago institution is next door to the Swedish & American Museum.
Ann Sathers
5207 N. Clark
773/271-6677
Open every day from 7 am to 9 pm, Wed. until 10 pm
Family is an important element at Arun’s, from the artwork done by the chef’s brother to the family-style tasting menu (an 18-course meal is not unusual). Reputedly the best Thai food outside of Bangkok.
Arun’s Restaurant
4156 N. Kedzie
773/539-1909
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 5 to 10 pm
Vegans may want to take a short "El" trip north of the city where the Blind Faith Café whips up international vegetarian fare.
Blind Faith Café
525 Dempster
Evanston, IL
847/328-6875
Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm
Situated in the heart of the theater district, Blue Mesa is generally a jumping spot. The Southwestern menu includes sizzling fajitas and chilly margaritas.
Blue Mesa
1729 N. Halstead
312/944-5990
Open daily for lunch at 11:30; dinner from 4 to 10 pm
For those who like surprises, Con fusion melds cuisine and cultures: For example, Asian and Italian dishes prepared in a modern French style. The menu changes daily.
Con fusion
1616 N. Damen
773/772-7100
Open Monday through Thursday from 5:30 to 10 pm, Friday-Sunday until 11 pm
So what if it’s a few degrees below zero outside? There’s always room for ice cream, especially when it’s savored at an old-fashioned soda fountain like the Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace
Marshall Field’s
111 N. State St.
312/781-3697
Open daily from 11 am to 3 pm
Housed in the basement of the North Pier Festival Market, Dick’s Last Resort doesn’t believe in dainty portions – barbecue ribs, chicken and catfish come by the bucket and butcher paper substitutes for plates. A Dixieland jazz band plays nightly.
Dick’s Last Resort
435 E. Illinois St., North Pier
312/836-7870
Open daily from 11 am to 2 am
If your taste buds feel the need to cross the pond, try Four Farthings Tavern & Grill. Located in tony Lincoln Park and established in 1890, the English pub boasts turn of the century décor.
Four Farthings Tavern & Grill
2060 N. Cleveland Ave.
773/935-2060
Open daily from 11:30 am to 2 am.
Departing from the ubiquitous tandoori chicken, Klay Oven offers diners a chance to walk on the wild side, with lobster tails and quails baked in the traditional clay oven.
Klay Oven
414 N. Orleans
312/527-3999
Open daily for lunch at 11:30 am; dinner from 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm
Le Colonial is known for its exotic, Asian twist on that Chicago staple, filet mignon. The lounge is evocative of French colonial Vietnam.
Le Colonial
937 N. Rush St.
312/255-0088
Open daily from 5 to 11 pm
Merlot Joe offers a taste of the French countryside under a trompe l’oeil ceiling. The cozy cottage restaurant is known for its rustic flair and hearty food.
Merlot Joe
2119 N. Damen
773/252-5141
Open daily from 4 pm to 11 pm
The Happy Hour at Trattoria No. 10 has a bountiful buffet, with cold salads as well as hot dishes. Pastoral scenes from Italy line the dining room walls.
Trattoria No. 10
10 N. Dearborn St.
312/984-1718
Open daily from 11:30 am to 2 pm; 5:30 to 9 pm; Happy Hour from 5:30 to 8 pm
For a formal French dining experience, there is the newly opened Tru. Diners can choose from a number of prix fixe menus, although they must be ready to make a minimum two-hour commitment for the meal. Gentlemen are expected to wear jackets.
Tru
676 N. St. Clair St.
312/202-0001
Open Monday through Thursday, 5:30 to 10 pm; Friday through Sunday, 5 to 10:15 pm
Late-night dining
The Black Orchid supper club harkens back to the 1940s, with its art deco trimmings, cigarette girls and nightly serenade by a 16-piece orchestra. Advance ticket purchase required.
Black Orchid
230 W. North Ave.
312/944-2200
Box office open Monday-Friday, 9 am to 9 pm; doors open at 7:30 pm
Described as sexy and Harry’s Velvet Room could be the ideal place for a nightcap with a little dessert on the side.
Harry’s Velvet Room
56 W. 111 St.
312/527-5600
Open from 5 pm to 2 am.
Live jazz is on order every night at Bistro 1800 and My Bar. An array of cognacs and scotches is the specialty of the house.
Bistro 1800 & My Bar
1800 Sherman Ave.
Evanston, IL
847/492-3450
Open weekdays from 4 pm to 12:30 am, until 1:30 am on weekends
For more options on local eateries: www.chicagoreader.com/
By Shalmali Pal
AuntMinnie.com staff writer
November 28, 1999
