CenterstageChicago.com Presents: Travel + Tourism

Virtual L: Western (Brown)

Tue, 12 May 2009 12:00:00 CST

photo: Clifton Henri; the Brauhaus band

Germans, Koreans, Eastern Europeans...they all love Lincoln Square. Find out why by getting off at this lively, diverse stop.

Best of the nightlife
Chicago Brauhaus
If you're looking for a place where Oktoberfest never seems to end, a night out at the Chicago Brauhaus can provide just that non-stop German party. With St. Pauli girl-like servers dolled up in timeless Bavarian outfits, a lederhosen-clad Oompah band playing nightly at 7 p.m. wooden paneled walls and the young and old alike taking a turn on the dance floor, it's hard not to get caught up in the feeling of good cheer.

Good for groups
Lincoln Karaoke
This isn't your average karaoke night at some dive trying to get a few more bodies inside. Entirely devoted to those flashes of self-delusion wherein you imagine having the pipes of Celine Dion or the leather-clad cool of Joey Ramone, this place adds a twist to the experience: You can rent a private room for $25 an hour. Each room features couches, a plasma TV, gigantic remote controls and a selection of American, Korean and Chinese tunes. If you have a group of friends that you want to keep near, far or wherever you are, serenade them until they wanna be sedated; you don't have to share your talent with the rest of the bar.

Cheap eats
Chubby Wieners
"Basically anything with chubby in front of it is really big," said the counterstaff at this hot-dog shop, explaining the difference between the regular cup and the chubby cup of soda. Indeed, size is the only difference between the three-inch kiddie-size hotdog (99 cents), the traditional Chicago-style dog ($2.25) and the "FamousChubby" dog ($3.35), a girthy seven-inch hotdog with a diameter of more than one inch.

Where to chill
Lincoln Square Lanes
The final word in old-school bowling, Lincoln Square Lanes debuted in 1918 and has been fortunate enough to survive the ebb and flow of bowling trends with its charm intact. Aside from being the oldest lanes in Chicago, Lincoln boasts another distinction: It's the only upstairs bowling alley in town. Situated right above an Ace Hardware, bowlers climb a flight of stairs and enter Lincoln's 12 lanes through the bar, a space almost as large as the bowling area itself.

In-the-know spot
Kiko's Market and Restaurant
Goulash, burek, veal soup; it's rare to come across food like this, and even rarer to come across food this good. The kitchen's specialty, goulash, is a beef stew in a light sauce with red peppers and spices. It comes with a basket of freshly baked lepinje (pita-like bread) and mashed potatoes with parsley. The whole thing is only six dollars. So leave your vegeterian friends at home and fill up on some of the best dishes from the Balkans.

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Virtual L: Pulaski (Orange)

Thu, 07 May 2009 12:00:00 CST

photo: David-Anthony Gonzalez

It's not a flashy area, but the South Lawn neighborhood gets the job done when it comes to good eats and low-key hangout spots. Bring your grandparents and settle in for the evening.

Best of the nightlife
Gathering
As long as the Northwest and Southwest sides of the city continue to exist in their current configurations, the classic Chicago corner tavern as depicted in Mike Royko's Boss will not go extinct. Suffice it to say that this corner bar in the South Lawn neighborhood is just such a beast. On a mild day, when a gentle breeze blows from the south, you can literally smell the stale beer, nicotine and disinfectant cleaner from a half-block away.

Good for groups
Cocula Restaurant
It's hard to miss this place, what with the giant wagon parked on the outdoor patio. Grab a table in the large front room and you'll be surrounded by celebratory parties, as well as the six Mariachi band members, who dine before bursting into song throughout the restaurant. Everyone sticks around laughing and storytelling as their meals - everything from raw oysters to fried red snapper to your classic meat/cheese combos - settle.

Cheap eats
Huck Finn Donuts (Pulaski)
This diner/donut shop serves just about everything, from a surprisingly good shrimp platter, to the usual hamburger, to the Donut Delight-a plain donut bedecked with whipped cream, a cherry, and red, yellow and blue superman ice cream.

Where to chill
Pap's Tap
There's no better place to relax than in the bean-bag seating area at this neighborhood tavern. Up for a little more action? There's also a pool table, dart board, jukebox and more.

In-the-know spot
Vito & Nick's
Old Style-swilling men grasp tiny pilsner glasses with their meaty fingers, and chain-smoking scratchy throated women park their ample backsides in turquoise vinyl stools. These folks have been coming to Vito and Nick's for more than 80 years, when Vito Barraco launched his original tavern at Congress and Polk. The signature pie didn?t arrive until 1949, when Vito's son Nick ? fresh off a stint in the Army ? developed it with his mother. Today, that secret recipe for cracker-thin crust, cut into an impossible number of squares and drizzled with oozy cheese, tangy and sweet tomato sauce, and of course studded with saa-sidge, is the Chicago ideal for what thin crust pizza should be.

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Virtual L: 18th (Pink/Blue)

Fri, 01 May 2009 12:00:00 CST

photo: Courtesy of Simone's

The Pilsen neighborhood is continually changing, but you can count on one thing in the area around this stop: You'll eat well. From stewed pork to fresh-made tortillas, you might not find a better dining destination in the city.

Best of the nightlife
Simone's Bar
This massive hipster gastropub combines the restaurateur powers of Streetside Cafe and Northside Bar and Grill, with a little hipitude hand from the owner of Danny's. The result is pretty commercialized faux-dive, hodge-podging every kind of found material from seat belts and pinball machines to steel cages and church pews, but the kitchen's nod to Pilsen's Mexican roots, not to mention the top-notch microbrews on tap, makes things mostly worth it.

Good for groups
Nuevo Leon
There isn't a taco combo or enchilada platter anywhere on the Nuevo Leon menu. Instead, you'll have your choice of such delicacies as milanesa (thin breaded steak), costillas de puerco con chile rojo (pork ribs cooked in red ancho sauce), and pollo al horno con papas y zanahorias (baked chicken in batter with potatoes and carrots). Judging by the number of families that flock here regularly, it's all worth a try.

Cheap eats
Taqueria el Milagro
If you're looking to get solid Mexican food for pennies on the dollar while knocking out your shopping list at the same time, then this combination restaurant/tortilla factory is a must-visit. The inside holds standard taqueria decor, with simple chairs and tables, vinyl table covers that are easy to wipe clean, and a jukebox loaded with norteno and son montuno music. The place can get crowded on the weeknights and weekends with locals and hipsters, but the cost of the food is worth the wait.

Where to chill
Cafe Mestizo
"Mestizo" is a fitting moniker for this eclectic, versatile cafe that moonlights as a showcase for artists. The Gallos opened the corner coffeehouse in spring 2003 on a modest strip of Ashland and have since attracted a flock of jazz musicians and artists from the neighborhood and beyond. The cafe's mission is "to create a place where art, poetry and music could come together over a great cup of coffee," and it shows.

In-the-know spot
Carnitas Uruapan
Legend has it that this is the first (and oldest) carnitas restaurant in Chicago. That might have to be taken with the proverbial grain of salt. But if you're looking for authentic Mexican-style stewed pork, few places do it better than Uruapan. Still hungry? The chicharones (pig skins) are impeccably fried and ready for liberal doses of hot sauce and salsa. Be prepared to bump elbows with the other (mostly takeout) customers.

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Virtual L: Garfield (Green)

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

photo: Kate Rockwood

Ok, students...class is in session. Today, we're going to learn all about the wonderful world of Hyde Park, home to the University of Chicago, the Obama family (at one time) and some of the city's most unique spots.

Best of the nightlife
Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap
This Hyde Park pub has been a haunt for locals and University of Chicago students since 1948, and it houses a motley crew indeed. It's the sort of place where you'll see a 50-something clad in denim fist-pound a 20-something with an afro, listen to tales of the latest Facebook drama or sit next to a weary Englishman fresh off the plane.

Good for groups
Seven Ten Lanes
It seems like this bar, overloaded with activities and a huge menu, is singlehandedly attempting to make up for Hyde Park's lack of nightlife options. The main room, with a forest of tables and TVs aplenty, is capped off with a sizable bar that dishes out a wide selection of drinks, including multiple varieties of Goose Island. The menu of bar food, served until 11 p.m., offers stick-to-your gut favorites like quesadillas and a great catfish sandwich. If that's not enough, there's a whole room devoted to pool ($12 an hour) and another devoted to bowling ($16 an hour).

Cheap eats
Hyde Park Gyros
Despite the simple name, this family-run spot has a menu that will make you sweat. From burgers and hot dogs to salads and barbeque, you'll need a specific craving or a lot of time to make your selections here. Add to the menu the long list of daily specials (from two chili cheese hot dogs for $4.10 to a pizza puff for $3.50) and you'll see that this place is all about options.

Where to chill
Smart Museum of Art
An artistic and intellectual force among the city's many art collections, this museum on the University of Chicago campus houses some 9,000 works that span more than 5,000 years. One of the collection's many strengths is its commitment to the work of Chicago artists such as Ed Paschke and other Imagists, as well as newer emerging artists working in this city. It hosts a series of ongoing free events (aligned with the daily free admission to the galleries) including lectures and tours.

In-the-know spot
Promontory Point
A rocky peninsula that provides the perfect place to gaze across the lake or sunbathe on a summer afternoon, the Point was designed by Alfred Caldwell in the Prairie School Style of architecture and opened in 1937. With a ring of terraced stone steps leading into the lake, it seems like a natural extension of its surroundings. It's even beautiful in winter, when it takes on a frosted appearance with the first snowfall of the year.

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Virtual L: Howard (Red)

Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

photo: Misty Tosh

The food is worth the wait at Jamaica Jerk.

It's either the first or the last stop in the city, depending on where you're coming from. But it's not just a place to transfer lines - you can get some good grub here, too.

Best of the nightlife
Tally Ho Pub
Open since the early 1920, this neighborhood pub is hoppin' even at 4 p.m. on a weekday afternoon. But when we say "hoppin'," we don't mean raucous ? more like pleasant, with locals chatting it up with one another while sipping beers, playing pool or throwing darts. Don't be intimidated by the faded two-drink minimum signs that pop up all over the walls: chances are you'll wanna have more than just two as the good conversation rolls, especially since beers only run $3?$4.

Good for groups
Jamaica Jerk
This Caribbean restaurant has proven to many antsy and anxious diners that a good meal is worth the wait. It's easy to keep your mouth entertained whilst you dream of curry goat and jerk chicken wings. Start with an order of saltfish and bammy or go for the greasy (but oh-so-good) conch fritters. Try a bowl of the restaurant's pumpkin soup and soak it up with a hunk of homemade cornbread. Before you know it, the entrees will have arrived. Bring an appetite, or a whole slew of 'em; Jamaica Jerk can accommodate private parties of up to 50 people.

Cheap eats
Bar-B-Que Bob's
If you can eat it, you can bet that Bob has already barbecued it. As a testament to the food and service, there are numerous notes spread across the three available walls from presumably satisfied customers thanking Bob for his delicious BBQ and incredibly friendly service, including one from Elvis Presley himself. Lunch specials range from $4-$6 and dinners range from $6.50-$10.50.

Where to chill
African Harambee
Earth to Ethiopia! There are 52 other countries in Africa, and they have good food, too!At this restaurant, Ethiopia is represented, of course, but so are West Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania and everywhere in between. African music plays softly in the background, and owner Sisay Abebe comes around to all the tables personally, adding a home-cooked appeal to the atmosphere. The menu is heavy on stews, simmered with aromatic spices like turmeric, cardamom and cilantro. For the daring, add on some ugali, an East African staple food which is perhaps best visualized as thick corn Jell-O.

In-the-know spot
Tickie's Belizean Restaurant
This tiny joint has been doling out affordable food for just over a decade, and once you taste it, you'll know why the husband-and-wife team has kept it up as long as they have. The menu is full of Belizean staples, including conch fritters, chicken tamales and the more exotic salbutes, panades and garnaches (deep-fried masa filled with chicken, veggies or beans). The chicken tamale, meanwhile, is a super-plump mess with an entire tender chicken leg tucked inside.

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(Sight)seeing Green

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

Celebrate Earth Day this year by checking out some local green landmarks. While we can't yet call Chicago the ideal Emerald City (hello, recycling program?), plenty of businesses are paving greener paths by building green structures. And we don't mean mossy brick or lime-color paint jobs. We're talking about businesses that reduce their use of energy, eliminate toxins and conserve natural resources. Since 1999 the city has been implementing green measures for the construction and renovation of public and private buildings, often using the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification standards. From City Hall's green roof to the Center for Green Technology, these spots will give you a whole new view of Chicago.

City Hall Rooftop Garden
Also known as rooftop gardens, green roofs replace tar or dark colored roofs that retain heat and make buildings up to 10 degrees warmer than sun-loving, heat-absorbing plants that help cool buildings in summer and insulate them (much like a hat for your head) in winter. The first green roof on a municipal structure sits atop the 11-story City Hall building in the Loop. Although the garden can't be accessed from the building itself, surrounding buildings like the Department of Environment, 30 N. Lasalle Street, offer great views of the well-pruned garden filled with mostly local, sustainable plants and flowers.
Call the DOE at (312) 744-5903 to set up a viewing time.
Other green roofs: Center for Green Technology, Millennium Park, Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, True Nature Foods, Uncommon Ground on Devon and the parking lot at Soldier Field.

Chicago Center for Green Technology
This former brownfield (a squalid site with risks for environmental contamination) now has the highest LEED rating (platinum) a building can receive. It's composed of mostly local materials; 45 percent of the building is solar-powered, which comes in handy for heating the on-site greenhouse; and there's a rooftop garden. In addition to hosting offices for green businesses, including community gardening and training program Greencorps Chicago, the place hosts a library filled with articles on building green.

CCGT is also home to Green Tech U, which offers free classes and workshops for adults looking to learn about green issues and receive certification in programs like landscape design and green business. Take a self-guided tour or schedule a private group during business hours.
CCGT, 445 N. Sacramento, (312) 746-9642. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday; 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

Shedd Aquarium
Seen one dolphin show, seen 'em all. But what about exotic sea horses, frogs no wider than a quarter and komodo dragons all under one soy-based roof? But more than a super cool aquarium, the Shedd is a hub for conservation, preservation and education; programs for adults range from trainer for a day and marine biology workshops to the Right Bite Dinners, monthly dinners held at various restaurants (such as Oceanique) featuring sustainable seafood and guest speakers. As for the building, recycling bins are scattered across the grounds, and there's a soy roof (equivalent to 36 acres of soybeans) that keeps the aquarium's A/C bill in check.

During Earth Week, families can meet face to face with many different animals, and participate in an Earth Day garden celebration on April 25 and 26, which will include discussions on how to conserve resources at home.

photo: courtesy of Garfield Park Conservatory

Center for Neighborhood Technology
The CNT, 2125 W. North Avenue, aims to show urban communities the importance of sustainable development through better use of currently available resources and natural systems in hopes of helping communities develop and share the economic gains. The building was the first in the nation to receive a LEED platinum certification and houses a variety of community-conscious, eco-friendly businesses, such as I-go cars and the Community Energy Cooperative. After a tour here, you'll surely have an in-depth understanding of green tech.
Call Annette Stahelin at (773) 2469-4039 to schedule a tour.

Garfield Park Conservatory
Immerse yourself in a wonderland of exotic palms, plants and koi fish ponds at this West Side conservatory, free of charge. Find six greenhouses and a full calendar of events and workshops, like weekend plant clinics and Thursday night yoga classes.

City Farm
Tucked between Cabrini Green and the Gold Coast, this former vacant lot now houses a lush garden with melons, herbs, squash and over 30 varieties of tomatoes. Chefs from some of the most prestigious restaurants buy produce here, and you can, too, at the onsite stand.

photo: courtesy of Lucid Dream Productions

Near North SRO
Before taking your ripe produce from City Farm home to enjoy, keep an eye out for an unusual structure standing nearby. The Near North SRO, a 96-unit green housing structure for the city's homeless and less fortunate, has been grabbing the attention for its concept and Twinkie-like design when it was started a few years ago. The large wind tunnels aren't just for display; the building is partially wind-and solar-powered and will generate 15 percent of its own electricity.

Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum
In 2003, the museum received a Green Roof Excellence award; the 17,000-square-foot green roof uses a solar-powered irrigation system to collect storm water. Families will get a kick out of the Extreme Green house, a full-size bungalow where you can learn about ways to green your home. Even the cafe serves up local, sustainable and organic noshes from Sunday Dinner catering.

Gary Comer Youth Center
Thanks to a $30 million gift from Lands End owner and South Side native Gary Comer, this 74,000-square-foot building designed by Chicagoan John Ronan features a rooftop garden, with herbs and veggies used in all the meals served onsite.
Gary Comer Youth Center, 7200 S. Ingleside Avenue. Call (773) 358-4100 to set up a tour.

Museum of Science and Industry
There's a lot you can learn about Mother Earth in the main museum here (there's free admission on Earth Day!), but for some real insight into ecological advancements, head over to the recently re-opened Smart Home. The futuristic house has been renovated and outfitted with tons of new, even even cooler stuff, like a robot that'll get rid of your snow (the I-Shovel) and a "green" baby nursery. Plus, on April 22, students will celebrate Earth Day by helping master gardeners plant a sustainable garden.

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Take Me Out ...

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

photo: Courtesy of Gary RailCats

So you don't feel like fighting the crowds in Wrigleyville or sitting far above the action in the Cell's upper deck. But you're still in the mood for some baseball. What to do? Well, you're in luck, because minor league baseball is alive and well in the Midwest. Check out a game in the metro area or take a day trip to see one of the teams a little farther afield. You might get to watch a future major leaguer, and you won't break the bank. Windy City Thunderbolts
Distance from the Loop: 25 miles
League: Frontier (Independent)
Stadium (year opened): Standard Bank Stadium (1999), 14011 S. Kenton Ave., Crestwood
Ticket prices: $8-$10
Phone: (708) 489-2255
Scouting report: A mostly no-frills park in the shadow of high-tension power lines, Standard Bank Stadium does have the distinction of having one of the few upper decks in minor league baseball. Heads up, Windy City charges for parking ($2 for cars, $5-10 for buses).

Schaumburg Flyers
Distance from the Loop: 31 miles
League: Northern (Independent)
Stadium: Alexian Field (1999), 1999 S. Springsinguth Rd., Schaumburg
Ticket prices: $5-$11 ($6-12 on fireworks dates)
Phone: (847) 891-2255
Scouting report: Minor league baseball is a magnet for publicity stunts and the Flyers have had their share, including the 2005 signing of Nigel Thatch?Leon of Budweiser ad fame?and "Fan Club: Reality Baseball," a 2006 production that allowed fans to pick the starting lineup.

Gary SouthShore RailCats
Distance from the Loop: 31 miles
League: Northern (Independent)
Stadium: U.S. Steel Yard (2003), 5th Ave. and Pennsylvania St., Gary
Ticket prices: $7-$10
Phone: (219) 882-2255
Scouting report: The view from the Steel Yard seats is of America at work, from the massive U.S. Steel plant just to the north, to the semis whizzing past on the Indiana Toll Road, to the South Shore commuter trains regularly rolling by (the Gary Metro Center stop is a block from the park). The park cost $45 million to build and it shows, with a Bennigan's in the right-field corner, well-appointed suites and a concourse that rings the stadium. Best of all is the team on the field, winner of two of the past four Northern League titles.

Kane County Cougars
Distance from the Loop: 42 miles
League: Midwest (Class A)
Stadium: Elfstrom Stadium (1991), 34W002 Cherry Lane, Geneva
Ticket prices: $8-$14
Phone: (630) 232-8811
Scouting report: When the Cougars moved to Fox Valley from Wausau, Wisconsin, in 1991, many wondered if they could survive in the shadow of two big-league clubs. Eighteen years and 8 million tickets sold later, the answer is obvious. Elfstrom doesn't have the amenities of some of the newer parks, but there's nothing wrong with the food (check out the center-cut pork chop sandwich) or the quality of play (Ryan Dempster is among the 90-plus Cougars who reached the majors).

Joliet JackHammers
Distance from the Loop: 45 miles
League: Northern (Independent)
Stadium: Silver Cross Field (2002), 1 Art Schultz Dr., Joliet
Ticket prices: $5-$10
Phone: (815) 726-2255
Scouting report: Not quite as posh as the Steel Yard to the east, Silver Cross is nonetheless an above-average minor league park. Coming to the stadium is a hassle-free experience, with easy access from I-80 via the Chicago St. exit, plenty of free parking nearby in downtown lots and garages and a Rock Island commuter station just down the street.

Rockford RiverHawks
Distance from the Loop: 81 miles
League: Frontier (Independent)
Stadium: Road Ranger Stadium (2006), 4503 Interstate Dr., Loves Park
Ticket prices: $5-$15
Phone: (815) 885-2255
Scouting report: Rockford has a long pro baseball history going all the way back to the Forest Citys of the National Association in 1871, but it also has one of the newest stadiums in the country. This is Cubs country, as evidenced by the giveaways (Mark Grace Bobbleheads on May 30) and the fact that parking is more expensive than at most similar parks (but the $2 fee is a much better deal than at Wrigley).

Beloit Snappers
Distance from the Loop: 99 miles
League: Midwest (Class A)
Stadium: Pohlman Field (1982), 2301 Skyline Dr., Beloit
Ticket prices: $5.50-$7.50
Phone: (608) 362-2272
Scouting report: Considering they're affiliated with the Minnesota Twins?memorably dubbed the "Piranhas" by White Sox manager Ozzie Guillen?the Snappers' nickname is fitting. But these guys are a little nicer; every year, they give away bobbleheads to some lucky fans. This year's honorees: Texas Ranger draftee (and Beloit Turner High School alum) Kyle Murphy (June 14), former Minnesota Twin and Milwaukee Brewer (the team's former parent squad) Paul Molitor (July 12) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard (and Beloit Memorial High School alum) Kyle Weaver (August 30).

Peoria Chiefs
Distance from the Loop: 167 miles
League: Midwest (Class A)
Stadium: O'Brien Field (2002), 730 SW Jefferson Ave., Peoria
Ticket prices: $6-$10 (Mondays are half-price games)
Phone: (309) 680-4000
Scouting report: O'Brien Field is on the south edge of downtown and close to restaurants and night life, making it a distinct improvement over the Meinen Field, the Chiefs' former home tucked away in a remote residential neighborhood. This is a Cubs farm club and legendary Cub Ryne Sandberg is the manager, but Peoria is also a big Cardinals town. That explains why this season's first fireworks display takes place on the first night that the team plays the Cardinals-affiliated Quad City River Bandits (May 15).

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Virtual L: Paulina (Brown)

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:00:00 CST

Sentences involving "late-night" and "Lakeview" generally conjure up images of Clark Street's bars and restaurants. Go west, young man. The area around the Paulina stop (some of which is actually Roscoe Village) houses quieter sidewalks lined with places for eats and beats. Best of the nightlife
Four Moon Tavern
A perfect bar if we've ever seen one, this big-time actor hangout not only has an adorable outdoor patio (complete with sparkling Christmas lights), it offers a great beer selection (Belgians, anyone?), one of the city's best jukeboxes (yeah, we said it) and an above-average menu of bar food. You'll have a fun, low-key night chatting and playing pool here, but don't forget to return for the superb Sunday brunch.

Good for groups
Riverview Tavern
This spacious, 4,000-square-foot bar seats more than 110 people between the restaurant's three rooms. Often used for parties, the front room is typically closed during normal business hours, and the main room is where you'll find the bar and televisions. A small back room serves as a family-friendly area stocked with darts and video games. The dark wood, brass and green leather decor give the pub a stately feel, but the overall vibe feels kicked-back and friendly. The bar has plenty of beers on tap, an impressive selection of liquors and an extensive food menu.

Cheap eats
Pho's Thai Cuisine
"I want to eat the way I cook?the healthy way," chef/owner Sat Duant says, and judging from the wildly successful Whole Foods just up the street, Lakeview residents have similar appetites. True to his word, Duant doesn't use any MSG, prefers brown sugar to white and uses sea salt instead of regular salt. All the veggies are fresh, except for bamboo, but come on; you can't get that in the Midwest. Prices are reasonable for this neighborhood, too: Steamed or deep-fried veggie potstickers go for $3.95, a basil fried rice dish chock full of egg, onion, collared greens, pepper, carrots, jalapenos and shrimp is only $8.50 and the wildly popular pad khe mao (saut�ed meat or chicken with bean thread noodles and veggies) will cost ya $7.95.

Where to chill
Johnny's Tavern
Besides the wonderful, almost century-old bartender whose name does not adorn the old "Hamm's" sign outside, this Tavern is a dive bar through and through. Don't come for the decor, come for the authenticity, the crazy conversation, the remnants of a once-smoky haze, the beer (try a big bottle of Samson, a Czech brew) and the legendary atmosphere pervading every inch of the space. The music selection is ancient (when the jukebox works) and so are the beer signs that line the brown and ravaged walls. Come for the stories, the man, the dive-ness of the place (if that's what you're into), but don't expect the spotlessness of a martini bar at the Hilton. High-class comfort, this is not. You'll realize that right away when you have to be let in because the door is locked.

In-the-know spot
Turquoise Cafe
The outdoor tables at this mostly Turkish restaurant are as private a choice as those in your own (hypothetical) backyard, but the food is far from your average home cooking. Start with a simple eggplant salad or sogurme, a more sophisticated combination of smoked eggplant, creamy yogurt, garlic, walnuts and crushed red pepper, then choose from a roster of Mediterranean dishes that includes cop sis kabob (marinated diced lamb with flat bread) and su boregi (homemade dough with feta cheese and fresh dill). For a true experience, stop by late-night.

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St. Patrick's Day Parades

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 12:00:00 CST

Visit our St. Patrick's Day Guide for info on
more Irish fun.

We love the infamous dyeing of the Chicago River and we wholeheartedly agree that when it comes to St. Patrick's Day parades, nobody does it better than the South Side. Still, there are a few lesser-known parades in the Chicago area that warrant a mention, and possibly a short trip.

Elmhurst
Saturday, March 14; noon
This Chicago suburb, located just a mere 30 minutes (by car) from the city, is hosting its 13 annual St. Patrick's Day Parade this year. The celebration will begin at Wilson Street and Spring Road and will include a commendable lineup of floats, marching bands and traditional bagpipers. If you're lucky, you may even catch a leprechaun-clad puppy or two. The parade committee prides itself on having one of the best of its kind and even enjoys the smaller crowd it draws. That said, this is the perfect parade for anyone looking to escape the Irish-fueled madness of downtown this year. Additionally, the parade committee will sell raffle tickets to help support both the parade and the Elmhurst Children's Assistance Foundation. Raffle tickets can be purchased at several local businesses including Doc Ryan's Bar and Grill, Riley's Gathering Place, Roberto's Ristorante, The Silverado Grill and Spring Inn.

Lake Villa
Saturday, March 14; noon
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day by taking a short road trip to Lake Villa, in north Lake County. Parade festivities will kick off at Palombi School and will continue through the center of town. Onlookers are welcome to jump in and join the lineup of local politicians, marching bands and scout troops. After the parade, guests will be invited to indulge in corned beef and cabbage at the VFW Hall.

Naperville
Saturday, March 14; 10 a.m.
In conjunction with the West Suburban Irish, the city of Naperville will host its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade this weekend. Festivities are scheduled to kick off at Naperville North High School (899 N. Mill Street). The parade will continue south on Mill Street, east on Jefferson Avenue, south on Main Street and west on Water Street to the Municipal Center. State Representative Mike Connelly will serve as honorary Grand Marshall and Bridget Deely will play this year's queen. Parade attendees are encouraged to donate a non-perishable food item to benefit the Loaves and Fishes Community Food Pantry. For more information, check out the official West Suburban Irish website.

Downtown
Saturday, March 14; noon
If you'd prefer to be right in the heart of all the Irish action, you'll want to head downtown with the thousands of other green-lovin' locals and visitors. Most will be there bright 'n' early to witness the emerald green transformation of our beloved river. If you plan on attending this one, we recommend arriving ridiculously early via taxi or public transit (dyeing takes place at 10:45 a.m. and parking will, as usual, be impossible), gearing up appropriately (elbow and knee pads, anyone?) and drinking responsibly (we're talking coffee here). Find a decent spot on the East side of the bridge at Columbus Drive and you're golden, or shall we say, green. After the colorful river ritual, the city will kick off its annual parade at noon on Balbo and Columbus and will proceed north on Columbus drive.

South Side
Sunday, March 15; noon
The South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade has come a long way since its first celebration on March 17 in 1979. Now, in its 30th year, this popular parade draws in more attendees than the streets can hold. Festivities for 2009 will kick off at 8:30 a.m. with Irish songs and music, followed by mass at 9 a.m. at St. Cajetan church (112th and Artesian). This year, the South Side Irish Parade Committee will honor the Muscular Dystrophy Association as its 2009 Grand Marshal. Expect traditional bagpipers, family-friendly floats and plenty of beer discounts at the nearby Irish pubs.

Visit our St. Patrick's Day Guide for info on
more Irish fun.

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Chic Treats on the Northwest Side

Tue, 24 Feb 2009 12:00:00 CST

photo: David-Anthony Gonzalez

A sushi roll from Hot Woks Cool Sushi

Inaccessible to most L stations, the Northwest Side remains one of Chicago's last frontiers. Hipsters haven't stormed it by boat - or rather, L carload ? as they have eclectic enclaves Bucktown and Pilsen. As a result, area business owners began introducing pinches of pizzazz to an area exhausted by the all-too-common hotdog stand. Whether you're a resident wishing for hot hair and cool sushi, or an outsider on a mission for scorching untapped nightlife, we've got you covered.

Touch of Euro
Pack your bags and board your flight across the Atlantic for a touch of Europe. Or instead, pile into your car and visit a Touch of Euro. No passport required, just an affinity for techno. Expect a vibrating dance floor intensified with an outstanding sound system and castle-esque features abound, reminiscent of Goro's lair in "Mortal Kombat." However, you won't battle any four-armed hybrids here - just a long line. Blow things up on Fridays with $2 Jager bombs and get seven of your closest in on the best bottle-service offer in town: a $60 bottle of Sobieski on Saturdays, for groups of seven or more. Shifting themes, like beach parties with real sand, keep regulars from getting restless. Whatever the function, attendees reflect those in River North's scene: photogenic and donned in Armani Exchange.

Hops & Barley
When Hops & Barley joined the club of Northwest Side watering holes, it sent a ripple along Milwaukee Avenue with its modern design and veranda dining. Our Wednesday-night barmaid, Jessica, recalled, "This was the first bar in the area that felt like being in Wrigleyville." Shortly after, rivals tossed up exposed brick, updated furniture and replaced boxy televisions with flat screens. But none sport the gold medal quite like Hops & Barley. Instead of being filled with creepy tavern types and Roseanne rejects, this bar with a kitchen introduces Lincoln Park panache to the hashes of Portage, Old Irving and Jefferson Park without precluding any Northwest Side swagger. Come mingle, play bags (on Tuesdays), shoot pool, spit poetry (Sundays are open-mic nights) or host a party (for $100, a downstairs party room is available for three hours). Mondays snap up the largest crowds with $2 domestics and $2 burgers and fries.

Hot Woks Cool Sushi
Leave it up to Woranat "Noom" Wathakeyanon, whose inventive hands helped prosper both Tank and Sushi Wabi, to revamp an old house off the L and bring sushi to Old Irving Park. A pan-Asian menu maintains the traditional balance of classic dishes while merging them with regional flavors. Although Noom's favorite pad Thai dish resides on the Hot Woks portion of the menu, guests swim by mainly for the cool sushi ? eating it up like sharks. Gulp down any one of the seven signature rolls: $11.95-$13.95.

Elegance Massage Spa, 4204 W. Irving Park, (773) 736-4247
You'll shed a nostalgic tear stepping inside this Old Irving Park spa just off the Irving Park Blue Line stop. A DIY mirror props against shimmering penny-colored walls of dramatic brushstrokes. Chairs that look to be bought off Craigslist are plunked before a coffee table stacked with wrinkled magazines, evoking the typical setup of a Lakeview shop (Halo for instance), 10 years back. Perhaps this artsy setting, accented with potted plants and a chandelier hanging from a retro ceiling (the kind you'd find in an old Logan Square apartment) works as a relaxing segue into your tingling Swedish massage ($60 per hour). On the go? Gorgeous Latin massage therapists can kick out any kinks on a front-room massage chair for $1 per minute. Before jetting, hit the tanning bed for that summer glow year round.

photo: David-Anthony Gonzalez

Get pampered at Gallery of Hair.

Gallery of Hair, 6500 W. Irving Park, (773) 283-0000
What can you expect from a strip-mall hair salon with neighbors like TJ Maxx and Fashion Bug? Frank Jeffery, co-owner of Gallery of Hair, promises "downtown quality without downtown prices." Whatever your personality, you'll be partnered with the perfect stylist. Get with Erin Schneider (yea, she's that girl from "Beauty and the Geek") for an L.A. love look; or link with Lady Laronda and sample her raver-fun feel. If you walk in a wreck, needing extensions and a manicure, esthetician Michelle Pimentel assures "you'll walk out a star, from head to toe." Haircuts range from $10-$30.

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V-Day Getaways

Tue, 20 Jan 2009 12:00:00 CST

Visit the Valentine's Day Guide to
singles' events and romantic outings �

Boystown's Villa Toscana makes for a great getaway within the city.

Want to show your honey an unforgettable Valentine's Day but don't have the cash to make that big-budget trip to Europe a reality? We understand your pocketbook pains. That's why we've put together a quick and easy guide to Midwest?and even Chicago?getaways. The hotel staff may not be speaking in another tongue, but they'll still know the language of love. And that's what this Hallmark holiday is about, really.

No such thing as cabin fever in Door County, Wisconsin
At The Cottage Retreat (in Door County's mini-town, Egg Harbor), you won't feel guilty about staying in?especially with the Winter 2009 "Romance with Nature" getaway packages. Stay at the Elise or Elena cottages for $400/weekends (normally $500) or $300/midweek ($360 value), and you'll also receive ten $10 coupons for shopping at local businesses. Built on a 14-acre plot of property, these fraternal twin cottages nestled in nature have hearty fireplaces, relaxing whirlpools, full kitchens and radiant floor heating. And did we mention the shoreline's close proximity?

Escape into nature in Saugatuck, Michigan
Lounge in a log cabin or jump back in time to the late 19th century at the Sherwood Forest Bed and Breakfast. Warm your body by the fireplace, dip into the jacuzzi, leave the premises for cross-country skiing or hiking along nearby trails or simmer down with a one-hour private massage ($70). If you stay for two or more days, Sherwood hooks you up with a gourmet feast. But if you want to go all out, try a Sweetheart Special, which stocks you with fancy wine, champagne, fruit, cheese and roses.

Get the full package in Lake Geneva
Okay, you want to relax, shop and hit the slopes this Valentine's Day weekend. That's doable at Grand Geneva Resort and Spa, especially if you go with the Grand Romance Package ($214 per person) which includes a one-night accommodation in a deluxe guest room, $115 dining credit, two soft Grand Geneva robes (for keeps), and flowers, champagne and truffles at turndown service. If you're ready to get out of the bedroom, hit the nearby Grand Geneva slopes. With 18 downhill ski trails, a snowboard terrain park, 10 kilometers of cross-country ski trails and snow shoe options, you'll definitely get a workout in before returning to that state of pure relaxation.

Get away without leaving Chicago
At the Doubletree Hotel on our city's Magnificent Mile, couples can take advantage of the "Cupid's Toast" package. A two-night stay starts at $359, and includes all the lovey-dovey comforts of a cabin in the woods minus the drive through snow-covered streets. You'll get sweetened up with signature chocolate chip cookies, a bit o' the bubbly, a book of toasts (that you can take home), free parking and an optional late checkout?not to mention a great view of downtown.

The Gay Getaway

Saugatuck-style
For a relaxing and stimulating time, hit up the Dunes Resort in Saugatuck, the Midwest's favorite and largest gay and lesbian getaway mecca. Since 1981, owners Mike Jones, Danny Esterline and Greg Trzybinski has offered a hoppin' out-of-town vacation for Midwesterners. Set on more than 20 acres, the Dunes offers everything from two-bedroom fireplace cottages and one-bedroom kitchen suites to studios?and even a one-bedroom Jacuzzi suite. On Valentine's Day evening, Resident DJ Mark Vallese pumps the heat up with his fresh beats.

Chicago-centric
Wanna wake up where the girls are? Conveniently located in Edgewater, just moments from lesbo-tastic Andersonville, bed and breakfast spot House 5863 offers comfortable double-occupancy rooms complete with free wireless Internet and a plasma-screen television. Looking to relax? House 5863 can arrange in-room spa treatments, including massages, pedicures, manicures and facials. After you rest, go out on the town to meet the ladies by making stops at In Fine Spirits, Women & Children First, T's, Star Gaze, La Cocina de Frida and the hippie-infused Kopi Cafe.

Keep the party close at Boystown's The Villa Toscana, a Victorian-style bed and breakfast moments away from party-central spots like Sidetrack, Roscoe's Tavern, Circuit, or Bucks Saloon. Whether you wake up hungover or not, you'll get a fresh continental breakfast in the morning.

Visit the Valentine's Day Guide to
singles' events and romantic outings �

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Inaugurate Good Times

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:00:00 CST

Get to Dunlays early to celebrate Obama's inauguration.

Before you spend your life savings on a ticket to Obama's inauguration in D.C. (some scalpers are selling the things at $40,000 a pop), check out the inaugural celebrations at these local spots. David Burke's Primehouse
In honor of our new president, David Burke's Primehouse will offer a special prix-fixe menu during the entire week of Inauguration (January 19-23). The $20.09 menu (regular lunch prices range from $20-$38) includes appetizers like David Burke's classic pretzel-crusted crab cakes, lobster bisque, wedge salad and Kobe beef sashimi. Electoral entrees boast meaty selections like New York sirloin, Delmonico steak, a 40-day dry aged burger and pan-roasted king salmon. All steak entrees come with a choice of two sides, just be sure to save room for a slice of apple-cheddar pie or a white chocolate ice cream sandwich.

James Hotel
After eating yourself into a coma (in the name of patriotism, of course) at David Burke's, you can walk upstairs to your room in the attached James Hotel. As a special "City of Hope" package, the hotel is offering guests a chance to experience some of the Obama family's favorite things. First, there's the tour of Chicago, taken in the comfort of The James' private Audi, including a trip through Chicago's scenic South Shore and historic Hyde Park. Next on the itinerary is a visit to the architecturally innovative Millennium Park, where you can strap on some ice skates and take a glided tour. Once you're finished, you can warm up in with complimentary hot chocolate and seasonal libations in The James' Lobby Bar. In addition to receiving a copy of Obama's recent book, "The Audacity of Hope," each guest will have the opportunity to dine at one of his favorite restaurants (Art Smith's Table Fifty-Two). The presidential package starts at $219 per night and is available through January 31.

Dunlays on the Square
It's a rare thing for Dunlays to open its doors before dinner on a weekday, but if there were ever a time to make history, this is it. The Logan Square restaurant will open at 10 a.m. for lunch and will air coverage on three 42-inch plasmas from noon-4 p.m. Dunlays will invite guests to partake in a complimentary Obama champagne toast and will also serve up $5 O-Bombs. The menu will feature Dunlays' favorite appetizers like blue cheese and chips, house-smoked salmon and barbecue pork chops ($5-$12). Entrees include a slew of sandwiches like Dunlays' signature BLT, the Kedzie club, grilled fish and a veggie burger ($8-$12). Kids can score free dinner from 4:30-6:30 p.m.

The Drawing Room
Master mixologist Charles Joly has crafted a special cocktail in honor of our new president. And he purposely made it minimal so that those celebrating at home can whip it up themselves. Joly's patriotic tipple, the 44th, is a mix of Rittenhouse 100 Rye (1 1/2-ounces), B&B Liqueur (3/4-ounce), fresh lemon juice (3/4-ounce) and simple syrup (1/2-ounce). After combining all ingredients and shaking well with ice, Joly strains the drink into an orange-sugar rimmed cocktail glass and adds a lemon twist. If you're looking for something a little more scandalous, try Joly's Wire Tap, a commemorative cocktail of the recent Blago scandal. The outlaw-themed drink is a special mix of rye, Chartreuse, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, Goose Island 312 beer and aromatic bitters. The Wire Tap gets garnished with a special snake-tongue phone cord, made from an 8-inch piece of orange peel.

Hawthorne Race Course
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; $25-$40 per person
Just before Obama gives his inaugural address, you can fuel up on a political brunch at the Hawthorne Race Course. Each guest will receive a complimentary bloody mary or mimosa while choosing from dishes like scrambled eggs, Midwestern salad, honey-glazed ham and roast beef. More than 175 flat-screen TVs will air coverage, and for an extra $15, guests can enjoy a two-hour open bar with brunch. Reservations can be made by calling (708) 780-7050 or emailing sales@hawthorneracecourse.com.

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
Tuesday, January 20; 5:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.; $25 per person
We know you probably drank too much bubbly ringing in the New Year, but here's to another champagne hangover with Kit Kat's Inauguration Ball. The swanky cocktail lounge will pass around free champagne to toast our new president, while you witness history on one of Kit Kat's five giant, gold-framed screens. And if that's not enough, the lounge will also offer half-price martinis until 2 a.m. and a special $5 O-Bomb-tini with Bacardi O and Steaz Wildberry Organic Fuel. Tarot card reader Therese Murphy will be on site for those who want to learn about their future under America's new leader ($15 per reading).

C-View
The recently opened rooftop bar at Chicago's Affinia Hotel is planning an inauguration bash, complete with live music from the Josh Burke Duo (7 p.m.-9 p.m.), complimentary canapes by Executive Chef Seth Siegel Gardner and Executive Pastry Chef Toni Roberts. Highlights include treats like barbecue pulled pork sandwiches, chorizo mac 'n' cheese, chocolate brownies, stars and stripes cupcakes and peanut brittle and specialty cocktails like the bon voyage and the all American.

More Inaugural Events:

InterContinental Chicago
Thursday, January 1-Tuesday, March 31; $209 and up
The popular downtown hotel is offering a Presidential Perks package including overnight accommodations, two tickets to the Freedom Museum and a classic breakfast buffet.

Eno
Meanwhile, the hotel's lounge celebrates Obama with a three-day deal featuring some of his favorite things (January 20-23). The $15 Presidential Pairing includes a glass of Graham Beck Brut and a piece of Gail Ambrosius' dark chocolate-covered caramel topped with fleur de sel. Drop the Prez's Secret Service code name to the wine manager and you'll get the two for just $10.

Carnivale
Watch the inauguration in style while you sip on a flag-inspired margarita with layers of red, white and blue. The patriotic tipple, made with coconut, pomegranate and Blue Curacao, is $10 and will be served in Carnivale's lounge, where event coverage will air on two flat-screens.

Cityscape Bar
Sling back $7 Obama-tinis (mandarin vodka, Blue Curacao, Red Bull and sprite) or $4 domestics while you watch history on one of Cityscape's four flat-screens.

Stretch Run
Witnessing the inauguration on over 240 flat-screens should help you feel a little closer to those celebrating in D.C. In addition to its comprehensive coverage, Stretch Run will offer themed drink deals including Barack on the Rocks with Blue Curacao, orange juice and Sprite and Barack's Blue Martini with vodka, Blue Curacao and lemonade, $5 each.

Koi
Evanston locals can enjoy half-price martinis (regularly $8) with their lunch while Koi airs coverage of the inauguration. Later in the evening, Koi's sister restaurant in Wrigleyville, Chen's [3506 N. Clark, (773) 549-9100], will offer half-price wine and recaps of the big event.

Le Lan
Le Lan is celebrating Obama's first day on the job with a $38 prix-fixe special. The three-course menu includes soup or salad, one entree and one dessert from the restaurant's regular menu.

Opera
For about $10 ($28.95) less, you can head over to Opera for another three-course prix-fixe dinner, including an appetizer or salad, entr�e and dessert.

Bill's Blues Bar
This Evanston joint celebrates all day long (beginning at 11 a.m.) with drink specials and live blues from the likes of Melvin Taylor and Mr. G. Free admission.

Abbey Pub
The music club's Chicago-style inaugural ball includes food and one drink per person with the $15 admission fee. Coverage will be shown on a giant TV screen.

17/West at the Berghoff/Berghoff Cafe
The Berghoff will be offering a $4.44 Brat Obama complete with an American Flag pick, available at the lunch counter and lower cafe (all sandwiches at the lunch counter will be $4.44). The Change Ale will also be available in the bar and restaurant for only $2 - great for some noontime sipping as you watch the inauguration on one of the many TVs.

The Silver Room
Inauguration Day coverage starts with free coffee in the morning and ends with free beer and wine in the evening.

Fizz Bar & Grill
This Lakeview joint's inaugural celebration includes $4 drafts and glasses of wine and a free buffet from 6-9 p.m.

Maeve
Like martinis? Maeve's Red, White and Blue Ball is serving up $5 inauguration-themed martinis.

Dugan's
Who said Republicans can't have any fun during this historic event? They are the grand old party after all. From 5:30-8 p.m., the Chicago Young Republicans Inaugural After-Party at Dugan's include cocktails and appetizers. If you find the $20-$50 fee too pricey, just sign up since members get in for free.

Whiskey Sky and the Living Room
The bars at the city's two W Hotels will be serving four $10 cocktails on Inauguration Day. We'll let you guess what's in 'em: the Obamagranate Martini, the I Do Solemnly Pear, the Ginaugural Martini and, of course, the Ciroc Obama.

Rumba
Missed the actual oath-taking? Stop by this River North spot to watch the coverage and grab some free sangria from 5:30-7 p.m.

Morse Theatre
Starting at 6:45 p.m., watch rebroadcasts of the swearing-in, videos from his presidential campaign and Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speeches at the Morse's Theatre giant screen. Afterwards, the Dee Alexander jazz quartet will be performing.

Moonshine
Enjoy a meal of hot dogs and sliders at Moonshine's free buffet while watching a rebroadcast of our new president's inaugural ceremony.

DuSable Museum
Catch the swearing-in ceremony live after a continental breakfast ($10-$44) with fellow Obama supporters.

Bull & Bear
Celebrate with the Uhlich Children's Advantage Network's inauguration party at this new upscale sports bar at River North. Eat half-priced appetizers while sipping on wine.

Martyrs'
You won't be watching a rebroadcasting of the swearing-in here. Instead, come with friends and win prizes while testing your 2008 world events knowledge. We have a hunch there will be some Obama-related questions on this one.

Sully's House Tap Room & Grill
One of best new watering holes in town, Sully's will be serving presidential-themed cocktails to commemorate our newly-elected president's swearing-in - including the Blow Job shot, a nod to our 42nd president.

Garrett Ripley's
Polish up your presidential knowledge to win prizes while watching the inauguration coverage.

Poag Mahone's
Watch the coverage while munching on 44-cent wings, $8.25 Obama burgers and $4.40 O-Bama cocktails.

McCormick Place
After watching the swearing-in during the day, attend the Chicago Inaugural Ball in the evening. Snack on appetizers, sip on champagne and watch the Chicago Catz and Deals Gone Bad perform.

Cat's Meow
Enjoy the $2 PBRs, $6 wine, cheese plates and apple pies in this West Town neighborhood hangout while watching the inauguration ceremony.

FitzGerald's
Catch re-runs of the inauguration ceremony in this cozy west suburban wood-framed roadhouse. Get a free glass of champagne and enjoy the music of the Western Wingers.

People Lounge
With $5 Obama bombs and $4 premium drafts, there's no shortage of inaugural celebration in this Wicker Park lounge.

SushiSamba Rio
Sip on $11 red, white and blue cocktails in this fancy River North sushi joint while watching all of the inauguration festivities.

Crew
Chicago's premier gay sports bar will be showcasing the inaugural address, so enjoy their lunch special of a half sandwich and one side for $7.

In Fine Spirits Lounge
This north side wine bar is hosting a two-day inaugural celebration with $9 glasses of sparkling wine on inauguration day and a $44 three-course red, white and blue dinner on Wednesday.

Dine
Catch the ceremony on their big-screen projectors in this '40s-style restaurant.

Cafe Ciao
Enjoy the cafe's lunch special of $5 panini and pasta while watching the inauguration. In the evening, enjoy the Hawaiian-style $5 Obama Mama tropical cocktails and aptly-named $3.99 Bailout Burgers.

Crimson Lounge
Sip on $8 red, white and blue cocktails while watching rebroadcasts of the inauguration.

Piece
Watch the coverage of the inaugural festivities while enjoying delicious New Haven-style pizzas, $2 red, white and blue Jell-O shots and $5 InaugurAle pints.

Excalibur
Watch the swearing-in on big-screen TVs in this amusement park-size night club.

Sidebar Grille
Enjoy $8 fried egg sandwiches and $5 bloody marys while watching the inauguration festivities.

Quennect 4 Gallery
Laugh your way into the Obama presidency. Stand-up comics Robert Buscemi and James Fritz are just two of the performing in this late-night variety show. It costs $5 to get in.

English
Losing can still be fun. From 6 to 9 p.m., Chicago Young Republicans host its inauguration after party with an appetizer buffet. It costs $25 to attend while members get in for $15.

The Galaxie
Bring a shirt you wouldn't mind transforming into political art to this gathering in celebration of Obama's inauguration. This free art fest begins at 8 p.m.

Ethiopian Diamond
Just because it's an inauguration for an American president doesn't mean you can't celebrate it with a different ethnic flavor. This Edgewater restaurant is celebrating with Ethiopian beer and Ethiopian dance music.

Town Hall Pub
What better to celebrate this historic political event than in a place called Town Hall Pub? This dive-bar in the center of Boystown is offering up $2 PBRs, $5 "Presidential Punch" and free Jell-O shots. There's also a life-size cutout of the new president, so don't forget your camera.

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Eccentric Exhibits

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 12:00:00 CST

So, you've stared at "A Sunday on La Grand Jatte" at the Art Institute, spied Sue's skeleton at the Field and experimented your heart out at the Museum of Science and Industry. Think your tour of Chicago museums is complete? Not even close. The list of the city's historical halls is long, and it includes some truly peculiar places.

Museum of Holography
This one will make you feel like a kid again, especially when you slide on a pair of three-dimensional specs. The illuminating glasses are only required for a few in-your-face presentations, but they're ones you won't to miss. The museum also offers guided tours, but before you fork over the cash for a rushed hour of information overload, take a good look around and scope things out for yourself. The four exhibits are well laid out and include the museum's permanent collection, as well as three-dimensional pieces from artists all over the world. (Note: As per the Chicago Reader, this museum could be closed soon. Visit while you still can!)

American Toby Jug Museum
Founder and curator Stephen Mullins has turned his childhood collection of Toby Jugs into a quirky Evanston destination. The 4,000 square-foot space holds over 6,000 Toby Jugs, some dating back as far as the early 1700s. The ceramic mugs, once used for pouring ales, are now a historic reflection of Americana at its best. Among the cultural themes represented here are arts, politics and entertainment. While the vintage jugs are undoubtedly the most interesting, current pop-culture figures are fun to look at, too. Even the kids will get a kick out of jugs crafted like Harry Potter, Spiderman, Star Wars characters, Garfield the Cat, Miss Piggy and Dogbert. Tours are free, call ahead for an appointment.

photo: courtesy of the International Museum of Surgical Science

The Lindbergh Perfusion Pump is one of many artifacts on display at the Museum of Surgical Science

International Museum of Surgical Science
Dr. Max Thorek founded this mishmash of fine art and medical artifacts back in 1935. Today, the space still showcases a couple of its original exhibits like the Hall of Immortals, which contains 12 large stone statues of historic figures in the field of medicine and allied sciences. The Hall of Murals is another popular one, located on the second floor in what was originally the building's dining room (circa 1917). After checking out the infamous Halls, you can make your way through IMSS's other 20 galleries, spanning four floors. Exhibits include artifacts, paintings and sculptures inspired by a full range of medical genres. The bulk of the material here consists of over 7,000 medical artifacts. Be sure to scope out the Austrian amputation saw with a reversible blade, the unique collection of heart valves or and the original X-rays taken by radiology pioneer Emil Grubbe. The space also has over 600 paintings, prints and sculptures. Swing by on a Tuesday when admission is free.

Illinois Railway Museum
This one is certainly more historic than it is odd, but in any case, the Illinois railway Museum warrants an afternoon of your traveling time. And this isn't the kind of history lesson where you're stuck listening to some stuffy tour guide blabber on about timelines and names you've never heard. No, this is a hands-on lesson with full-functioning electric trains and vintage streetcars. Visitors can take a ride on the five-mile-long mainline as well as a quick jaunt on the mile-long streetcar loop. The preserved tracks follow a route around the museum's grounds, allowing guests a fun and relaxing alternative to a walking tour.

Museum of Mourning Photography & Memorial Practice
Next to the Serial Killers Museum in Florence, Italy, this one might be the most morbid we've come across. The intentions of the place are not to induce fear in squeamish types (although it's quite likely to do so), but rather to investigate human ritual by showcasing photographs of the deceased. MoMP is focused on photography as preservation of memory and features over 1,000 mourning photographs and negatives, some dating back to the mid-1800s. Currently, the collection can only be viewed by appointment; the museum encourages guests to schedule 2 to 3 weeks in advance. But if you don't feel like calling ahead and waiting to check out these morbidly fascinating shots, MoMP's website has about 10 percent of its collection available for online viewing and is in the process of transferring all mourning photos to its website.

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May We Mention a Mansion?

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:00:00 CST

photo: Steve Hall of Hedrich Blessing

Driehaus' dining room.

On the corner of Erie Street and Wabash Avenue sits one of Chicago's last-standing mansions of its kind. Commissioned in 1879 by liquor and banking magnate Samuel Mayo Nickerson, and then later sold to Lucius George Fisher in 1900 for a modest $75,000, the mansion is now owned by philanthropist Richard H. Driehaus and functions as a museum under his name.

After learning about the Driehaus Museum through a friend, I headed straight for Google. It only took a handful of photos on the museum's website before I was contacting the space for a private tour.

Stepping inside the building was like walking straight onto the set of a 19th-century film. Had I a corset, a blooming skirt and ringlets in my hair, I would've been a perfect fit for this place. But my snug sweater, leather boots and denim were almost intrusive, along with the Blackberry in my back pocket; I was completely out of context.

Nevertheless, I was quickly whisked to the Main Hall, where almost everything seemed to be made of marble. David Bagnall, the museum's director, informed me that the mansion boasts 17 types of marble from all over the world, and then he looked up. "There are also slabs of marble in the ceiling," he said, explaining that many have referred to Nickerson's estate as the "Marble Palace" (not to be confused with the Marble House in Newport, Rhode Island, which now also functions as a public museum.

photo: Steve Hall of Hedrich Blessing

The smoking room.

We then went on to tour a number of rooms, showcasing more marble, inlaid woodwork, silky ceilings and antique fixtures. The smoking room, a favorite of Bagnall's, struck a chord with me as well. The teal-tiled walls, stained-glass floor lamp and hand-carved fireplace recall a time well before Chicago's smoking ban. You can almost picture a group of distinguished gents kicking back with pipes, imported cigars and neatly-rolled cigarettes, discussing politics and the irrational behaviors of women.

While the rooms are set to represent another time entirely, certain elements seem to have been left by the wayside. For example, rather than ledges and mantels lined with baubles and vases (standard of that particular period), the extra space now remains clutter-free. But this isn't an oversight. As I said, the focus is on interiors, and Driehaus intentionally left out the accents because he wanted to keep that concentration.

photo: Steve Hall of Hedrich Blessing

This 2,000 pound statue adds flair to the trophy room.

There are, however, a few pieces from Driehaus' own personal collection, which serve as surefire show-stoppers. A walk into the mansion's old trophy room, for one, reveals a 2,000-pound statue of Cupid and Psyche. And the lavish dining room displays an original Louis Comfort Tiffany punch bowl centered on the rectangular table.

As my tour ended, I had the strange urge to do it all over again. I wanted to go back and take in all the details I might have missed the first time around. But the vibrating Blackberry in my pocket called me back to the demands of my modern life, so I left feeling inspired, excited and ready to plan another visit.

Stats: Tours take place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults, $12.50 for children 12 and under and $12.50 for students with a valid ID.

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Virtual L: Library (Orange, Green, Brown)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

photo: David-Anthony Gonzalez

This is the best stop in the Loop. Not only is the actual station gorgeous, but it's connected to the best library in the city. Plus, it's close to Printers Row, a section of south Dearborn that, after the great fire, began crawling with prostitutes and criminals. By 1905, it had been cleaned up considerably, and became the epicenter of activity in the booming printing industry. Now it is home to unique bookstores, cafes and restaurants, making it perfect for a weekend excursion.

Best of the nightlife
Brando's
Businesswear appears the norm at this Italian-American lounge/after-work bar situated in the historic Fisher Building, but you won't feel uncomfortable in something more casual - especially after a few of the "speakeasy's" signature martinis. Visit Thursdays through Saturdays and you'll find a resident DJ spinning house as a projector plays an artistic video-mix. Other nights, lounge music plays, focusing on an Enigma/Dido sound.

Good for groups
Kasey's Tavern
This Printer's Row classic has been around for a century, with high, tin ceilings and a solid wood bar that nearly runs the length of the tavern. Blue collars, collegians, loft dwellers and tie-wearing dossier-toters belly up to the battered bar for anything from Peroni to Samuel Smith, while the Golden Tee, Big Ten banners and six televisions appeal to sporties. If there's any doubt about this shot-and-beer bar, read the bold print on the cooler that's stacked with dozens of specialty beers: "Positively no dancing?that's our motto." Cheap eats
Boni Vino
This is a pretty standard Italian restaurant. The red and white-checkered tablecloths give off a generic, old-school vibe, but they aren't too garish, as the lighting is kept low. The specialties menu is rather extensive, and nothing seems out of the ordinary, except perhaps the breaded pork cutlet with potatoes. None of these delicacies exceed $10.08. Topped with melted cheese and grilled onions and served on garlic bread, the Deluxe Boni Vino Famous Steak Sandwich Special sounds as heavy as its name, and is perhaps the most enticing menu option.

Where to chill
Cafecito
A Cuban-inspired cafe with tasty pressed sandwiches, coffee and assorted pastries, Cafecito is the place where a person can stop, contemplate the meaning of life or reminisce about things gone by while listening to Cuban jazz, then head back out without a care in the world. Most of the customers are young, possibly visitors from other countries, which is no surprise. Hostelling International Chicago is next door and its inhabitants are no doubt looking for a cheap portable meal, or a place to sit and talk before heading out to explore the city.

In-the-know spot
Epic Burger
It seems fitting (or perhaps ironic) that the home state of Mickey D's may also be the birthplace of the next wave of restaurant trends: the "conscious" fast-food eatery. Epic Burger is the creation of restaurateur David Friedman, who, according to the Epic Burger website, was inspired during a road trip to develop a fast-food restaurant that doesn't skimp on all-natural and locally raised ingredients. The small menu boasts antibiotic-free beef and chicken, fresh-cut french fries prepared in trans fat-free oil and smoothies made with actual fruit. You'd think items with such premium ingredients would come with a high price tag, but Epic Burger is reasonably priced; sandwiches are $5.99, and a burger combo (with fries and a fountain drink) an even $10.

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Virtual L: Clark/Division (Red)

Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

photo: Clifton Henri

It may be best known as the closest stop to the famed "Viagra Triangle," but the Clark and Division stop offers access to much more than just old men using their business expense accounts on shots for the local ladies; at least, we think it does. Let?s take a look:

Best of the nightlife
She-nannigans
It may not be pretty, but this place really can boast a good time for those looking to dance, dance, dance 'til dawn (and drink 'til then, too). The decor is minimal and the bar is standard (think beer), but it'll bring you right back to your college-frat-party days, whether or not you necessarily want to go. You can't blame the place for trying, though; it makes no pretensions about what it is and just rolls with the punches (and gyrations on the dance floor).

Good for groups
Elm Street Liquors
Contrary to its name, Elm Street Liquors is not your neighborhood package store, though like that sketchy spot you buy a six-pack from, it does have a few dive-y qualities. But, hey, we're in the Gold Coast, where it's only fitting that a nondescript exterior belies a bar that's plenty upscale.

Cheap eats
Ashkenaz Deli
Ashkenaz can cure your cravings in a New-York-style minute, but you better come hungry. In the morning, stop in for bagels and lox or a creamy cheese blintz. In the afternoon, grab a Reuben sandwich and three of your friends to share it with; these suckers aren?t for the faint of appetite. Other must-haves include Matzo ball soup, chopped herring, homemade potato pancakes and rugalah (filled Jewish pastries). How do you say "Yum" in Yiddish?

Where to chill
Saluki Bar
Tickled with plenty of televisions, Saluki makes a great hangout for downing a few beers and taking in a game, but be sure to check out the bar menu. While some of the steak options can get a little rough on the wallet, the average price of entrees stays in the $8-$15 range. The best part? Food is served all the way up until closing time.

In-the-know spot
Underground Wonder Bar
There's no room for shyness in this subterranean, corridor-shape bar and music club, where guests weave through the center of the band to reach the restroom in back. Should you and your friend or lover prefer a candlelit table for two, arrive before the music starts. Otherwise, you'll find yourself squeezed between two rows of bar stools, soaking up the red light and squirming for a view of whoever's performing. Many nights, it's owner Lonie Walker and her Big Bad Ass Company Band strutting to the blues.

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Virtual L: Madison/Wabash

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

photo: Abbey Gillespie

Descending from the L staircase at Madison, you'll drop into a noisy hub of jewelers, diamond stores and watch repair shops at every turn. You will find, beyond the jewelry storefronts and urban malls, are a range of some expected chain stores as well as one-of-a-kind eateries and artist cafes. As always, the Madison stop proves that Chicago likes to mix things up between gritty and glam.

Best of the nightlife
14 Karat Lounge
A good Loop bar is a hard gem to unearth. Due to the few hours of business they get from the average working stiffs in the area, most bars in the Loop either pour on the swank and make themselves a destination, or just roll with the punches and have a group of regulars to keep things running. The 14 Karat Lounge (otherwise known as the front part of Ada's Deli) seems to have the latter down, but in reality there are several types of guests who consistently patronize the bar: five o'clock party animals, School of the Art Institute students coming in from across the street, and older couples/singles who look like they've wandered in for the soup at Ada's and got just a little distracted on the way back to the restaurant. They all manage to squeeze in thanks to the unique question-mark shape of the bar, which lets everyone have some group space without sacrificing the overall pleasantness of a room full of happy bar-chatter.

Good for groups
Big Downtown
For diners nostalgic for Chicago's bluesy past, The Big Downtown Chicago is the best spot to reminisce about the good old days. So don your fedora and plop down at the bar for one of The Big Downtown's gargantuan diablo burgers, layered with jack cheese, guacamole, bacon and the secret diablo sauce. Not in the mood for burgers? No sweat, there are lots of possible substitutions, like a turkey or corned beef reuben, a chicken breast sandwich dripping with Boursin cheese or a barbeque chicken pizza. You can't find any sharks in Lake Michigan, but you can eat one, or at least a part of one, with asparagus, risotto and carrots in an apricot vinaigrette. Other options that you can't catch from Montrose harbor include crab-stuffed prawns, chipotle pasta with scallops and lobster cakes. The entrees aren't as expensive as a fishing boat, but they are a bit pricey. Sandwiches run from $10-$13, while entrees start at around $15 and top off at $30.

Cheap Eats
Oasis Cafe
Be careful not to miss the little knee-height sign propped on the sidewalk outside the Wabash Jewelers Mall directing you indoors to the Oasis Cafe. Even once inside and among the bustling jewelry crowd and rows of vendors, I felt completely baffled about where or why this Middle Eastern lunchtime favorite existed among the sales of diamonds and gold. Following my gut, I walked directly to the back room to find satisfied eaters in conversation or happily alone, apparently not baffled at all.

Where to chill
Pittsfield Cafe
A visit to the historic Pittsfield Building, built in 1927, and its first-floor deli and cafe by the same name may surprise you with its elaborate five-story atrium and Spanish Gothic Revival details. While you may not expect to find a simple sandwich in typical diner fashion, you'll stumble upon exactly that once you pass through the rich marble and bronze accents in the building's main entrance and atrium. Be warned, though; you'll spend between $8 and $10 for a sandwich with (amazing) seasoned fries.

In-the-know spot
My Thai
A favorite for nearby museum-goers from The Art Institute, My Thai is great Thai. Served with Jasmine rice, the entrees run from $6 to $8 and include the standard favorites of ginger chicken, panang curry and pad Thai. Often busy with the lunchtime work crowd, you may want to try My Thai for take-out on movie nights during the Chicago Outdoor Film Festival at Grant Park. Bring your own blanket and beer and order up several appetizers such as cucumber salad, fried tofu, spring rolls and chicken satay to create your Thai picnic, keeping you healthy and happy while watching "Sunset Boulevard" at sunset.

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Virtual L: Midway (Orange)

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

You can learn a lot in the Balzekas Museum.

There really aren't many reasons to hop on the Orange Line to Midway. But these places in and around the airport may just give you a couple more reasons to hop on that train--without the worries of carrying a heavy luggage or booking a flight.

Best of the nightlife
Bohica Bar & Grill
Expect plenty of food and drink specials in this late night bar. Watch your favorite teams from one of the 92-inch screens along the walls. The menu includes standard bar and grill fare, including jalapeno poppers, pizza, Italian sausage and porkchop sandwiches and cheese fries.

Good for groups
Balzekas Museum of Lithuanian Culture
Opening this museum was the life-long dream of proprietor Stanley Balzekas, which is, in-and-of-itself, cuter than a sack of kittens. Inside is his personal collection of Lithuanian art, as well as armor and rare maps that have been donated over the years. Joining the main exhibit, "Lithuania Through Out the Ages" are a language education department, collections of folk art and coins, tokens and medals, a state-of-the-art audio-visual center and a gift shop.

Cheap eats
Zacatacos
Chain restaurants seem to run the gamut of Midway's surrounding streets. Perhaps it has something to do with the comfort of familiarity, especially when traveling somewhere new. Thankfully, most of the chains here are local ones like Zacatacos. This taqueria cooks up all the usual suspects including quesadillas (with meat or cheese), tortas, burritos and tacos. And they cook 'em up cheap. Tacos here are just $1.45 each, which is now almost the price of a plain old Hershey's candy bar. Fillings include a complete carnivorous list of char-broiled steak, marinated pork, steamed beef and homemade Mexican sausage. Zacatacos also offers meatless choices, like potato and beans with rice.

photo: Clifton Henri

Fuel up for your flight with Top View's 747 Skillet.

Where to chill
Top View
In spite of the planes that thunder over the rooftop of this quaint diner, Top View is a very cozy place. The tile mosaic of Chicago's skyline on the west wall, for instance, is a pleasant reminder of the nearby horizon that also pays homage to industry. It is a very unique-looking diner that, using that tried-and-true diner magic, still manages to feel totally anonymous. A bottomless cup of coffee is around $1.25 and just about every diner-standard meal waits on the menu. Lest you momentarily forget that you are sitting at the end of a runway, try the 747 skillet: hash browns, sauteed green peppers, mushrooms and onions with bacon or sausage and your choice of cheese and two eggs.

In-the-know spot
Weber's Bakery
This Polish bakery is known, of all things, for its donuts-specifically those of the chocolate variety. But the place makes other donut flavors, too, including a couple of seasonal-inspired treats like the pumpkin spice. On a good day you'll also find coffeecake, cookies, fudge brownies and mini pound cakes. If you don't hit up Weber's this time around, be sure to head back in March, when the bakery sells its traditionally prepared paczkis.

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Virtual L: Merchandise Mart (Brown)

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

photo: Courtesy of Cityscape

Collect that inner mettle: As you exit the train, do not be swayed by the food court to your right, hawking Arby's roast beef sandwiches, or be tempted into getting a quick fix at the Jamba Juice to your left. Too many worthwhile stops lie within short walking distance of the Mart, in a pleasantly tourist-quiet part of River North. Burgers, beers, falafel and calzones await, so keep those feet a-walkin'.

Best of the nightlife
Cityscape Bar
Consider any Holiday Inn bar you may have been to. You're probably not picturing a destination spot, are ya? Well, this place is a destination for one simple reason: the view. Situated beside the Chicago River, the 15th floor bar boasts a nearly unmatched view of the skyline, from the Hancock Center to the Sears Tower. The selection of organic beers, specialty martinis and upscale apps (like crab cakes and beef carpaccio) doesn't hurt, either.

Good for groups
Pepper Canister
Dark-stained oak furniture, slate-covered tables, beautiful tin ceilings, exposed brick walls and focused halogen lamps make this one of the best-designed, most contemporary-feeling (read: least cheesy) Irish bars in Chicago. There is a theme to the decor, but instead of shamrocks, it's churches. The original Pepper Canister is St. Stephen's, a church in Dublin whose steeple resembles said spice dispenser. In tribute to its namesake, the Chicago Pepper Canister has a large medieval window, rafters over the bar, and steeple-shaped decorative arches. Also, the menu has a distinctly ecclesiastical air: "Burgers of Biblical Proportions," "Sanctimonious Sides," and "Devil's Calamari" (for the not-so-saintly, we assume) are some examples.

Cheap eats
Taza
The menu here proclaims "Taza means Fresh!," and you'll see little to convince you otherwise. All items are made to order: Chickpea balls are dropped into hot oil at the request of a falafel sandwich; parsley-flecked baba ghanoug boasts plenty of seeds and chunks of eggplant; and a hulking turkey covered in spices is carved for the purpose of loading your sandwich. Falafel by the piece rings in at .40 cents each, but smart penny-pinchers upgrade to the $5.95 plate: six pieces served with hummus, a garden salad, pita and really, really tasty tahini sauce. You'll also find standards like dolmeh, kifta kabab, gyro sandwiches, chicken shawarma fresh off the rotisserie and a vegetarian plate.

Where to chill
Shamrock Club
A few visits here and you're sure to know the bartenders' names. With any luck, they'll know yours as well. The drinks won't completely empty your wallet, and if all goes well you'll be sharing shots with the employees in no time. The service is top-notch, erasing any worries of moping at the bar with an empty glass. The come-as-you-are ambiance makes it downtown's choice for beer and jeans, a welcome change from the many posh watering holes in the area. Fittingly, there's a great, classics-filled jukebox to liven up the background and killer burgers for anyone with an appetite for more.

In-the-know spot
Rizzata's
No reason to get a warmed-over slice of pizza for lunch when you can hoof it a few blocks to this Italian emporium and get something fresh from the oven. Though you can go for a full pie (in individual, small, medium and large), a chalkboard above the extremely open kitchen displays that day's ready-on-demand calzone, deep-dish and thin crust offerings, which run from Canadian bacon and onion calzones to delectable deep-dish mushroom. A number of specials will save you a buck or two. Sandwiches, pasta, chicken and salads round out the menu. The warm interior, decked out in lots of yellow, can get literally warm as well, as the pizza oven tends to heat up the tiny space quite quickly.

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Virtual L: Oak Park (Green)

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

The hallowed stacks of Val's Halla Records.

Best known as home to Ernest Hemingway, Frank Lloyd Wright and teetotaling old ladies, Oak Park has worked hard to develop a reputation as a younger, hipper version of its former self. We've picked a few places around the station that'll give you the hip digs you love, in a setting that's totally, and pleasantly, suburban.

Best of the nightlife
Philander's
For a city full of affluent lawyers, doctors and professionals, Oak Park has a surprising dearth of upscale restaurants. Philanders is one of the few spots in the progressive inner-ring suburb where you can score a plate of luxury. Anise-perfumed bouillabaisse holds court with Oysters Rockefeller and Maryland crab cakes. Appetizers range from $4-$23, and entrees cost $22-$40. Good for groups
New Pot
There's something comforting about watching your food being prepared while you wait. New Pot's open kitchen lets you witness the magic. The huge open space may seem a little over-the-top to some, but most consider the environment casually hip. Service can be a teensy bit slow at times, but once your fried red snapper or spicy curry fried rice arrives, you'll forget about the wait and realize why it took a few extra minutes to prepare. Each dish comes piping hot and prepared nearly perfectly. Fried wontons are a favorite, as well as savory soups and a well-above average pad thai. Parking is a piece of cake.

Cheap eats
Tasty Dog
Re-connect with suburban youth at this Oak Park mainstay, where everything on the menu costs less than a fiver. Hot dogs, cheeseburgers and gyros are among the offerings here, served up in a hurry by the efficient staff behind the counter. The large, clean dining room even includes counter seating for solo dining and six outdoor tables for those who want to commune with nature (or traffic). With so many more sophisticated dining options in Oak Park, Tasty Dog's clientele skews more towards cash-strapped high school students, but the place is so popular that the city's threat to close it in 2001 sparked emotional demonstrations and a petition. Relocated across the street to make way for new development, Tasty Dog's new digs are bright and spacious. If you still feel the need for a little culture with your meal, take a look at the old photos on the walls for a quick lesson in Oak Park history.

Where to chill
Val's Halla Records
For almost as long as there have been hipsters in Oak Park, Val's Halla Records has been providing them with tunes. Val, who has become a sort of local celebrity, has owned the place since 1972 and can still be found among the vinyl on most days. CDs sit in display cases on either side of the narrow store, with boxes of records below and even a few eight-tracks near the back. A room off to the side houses the bulk of Val's rock albums from the past 40 years: everything from ABBA to Zappa. Whether you want to replace your well-worn, scratched Stones album or locate a hard to find REM import, this is the place to be. If you're looking for something specific, you'll love the clearly labeled, alphabetical organization, but if you're just hunting for treasures, you could easily spend hours flipping through Val's inventory.

In-the-know spot
At the Gallery
At The Gallery's tagline, "From Funky to Fine," captures the essence of this store, located smack in the heart of Oak Park's "The Avenue" district. A gallery of mostly three-dimensional arts-and-crafts type works, At The Gallery's inventory includes art glass, ceramics and sculpture by a long list of artists from all over the country. The store sells a lot of functional art, like jewelry, vases, furniture and even menorahs, but also offers more traditional sculptures, oil paintings and prints. This isn't the place to come for cutting edge art, but At The Gallery's selection of original decorative objects will help you fill that empty space in your living room with something outside of the Swedish-superstore genre. Explore more neighborhoods and train stops with our Virtual L navigator.

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Virtual L: Kedzie (Brown)

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

Located near the northwestern end of the Brown Line in an intensely multicultural section of Albany Park, this curious station sits at ground level. Clanging railroad-crossing arms come down across Kedzie as the (not-so-elevated) L meanders past. Many meat markets pepper the sidewalks, as do frenzied, indoor bazaars selling everything from cell phones and blankets to lingerie and cookware. Explore with us: In-the-know spot
Andy's Fruit Ranch
A small but modern grocery store with an amazing produce section, Andy's Fruit Ranch sells fresh edibles as unfamiliar as bitter melon. Resembling a deflated zucchini and boasting a distinct tartness, this pear has medicinal value as a hypoglycemic. It's just one of many odd fruits and vegetables that sit in residence with the more mundane tomatoes, apples, oranges and bananas. There are also all kinds of interesting dry beans in clear unmarked bags. Move on to Andy's sprawling meat and seafood counter, where homemade sausage beckons from behind the glass, as do whole fishes and complete giant squids, all with big clammy eyes. Along with all the other amenities of a standard grocery, the Ranch also stocks imported chocolate out the udder. Cheap eats
Taqueria Uptown
Serving famous tacos "al pastor" since 1979, this is a small, anonymous-looking restaurant, with sparse decor and a large energetic jukebox. Tacos al pastor come heaped with pork that's been marinated in a special secret sauce; though they're generally smaller than a standard taco, here they only cost $1.47. At Taquerias Uptown, they join all the familiar Mexican fare on the menu. Good for groups
Salvation Army Family Store
Unlike so many thrift stores, this particular Salvation Army is warm and inviting. The carpeting absorbs some of the harshness of the fluorescent lighting, and a hodgepodge of sound floods the store from the overactive electronics section, where antiquated televisions and stereos hold court. The clothing racks are overstuffed, and perhaps because it's a donation center, nothing looks picked over, most notably the unusually large collection of hats. There is also a healthy bric-a-brac assortment with jelly glasses to die for. Where to chill
Uno Billiards
Pool halls are the pinnacle of places to be caught solo, narrowly beating out even video-game arcades. There's a certain degree of cool involved in walking into a long, dark pool hall like this one, toting a custom cue in a sleek, black case, and wearing a chip the size of Paul Newman on your shoulder. When on a mission to shoot some serious stick, co-conspirators only get in the way. But at Uno, there's no extra head charge, so should someone tag along, the rate remains flat. Best of the nightlife
Noon O Kabab
This might be the best Persian food in the world; well, at least in the city. The pre-meal spread of onions, feta, parsley and a radish, served with flatbread, opens the palate up for the hummus and baba ghanoush; both are fresh, creamy and delicious. With the appetite thoroughly intrigued, move on to the huge plate of food that is the main course. The lion's share of menu space goes to meat dishes (lamb, beef, chicken and seafood), but there's a small vegetarian selection as well. The dishes are served with extra long steamed rice, and grilled vegetables. All of the food tastes remarkably fresh. The authentic, if not slightly gaudy, atmosphere is very pleasing. Traditional Persian artwork, in tandem with the plastic tablecloth covers, gives Noon O Kabab an unpretentious level of sophistication. The reasonable prices make it an ideal dinner-date restaurant, and because the owner typically visits every table at least once, everyone gets to look and feel important. Explore more neighborhoods and train stops with our Virtual L navigator.

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Virtual L: North/Clybourn

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

More and more the L stop of shopping fiends everywhere, this ever-changing (and by changing, we mean chain-infested) area is home to plenty of GAP, Banana Republic and J. Crew shopping options. But let's put the "Clybourn" back in North and Clybourn. Straying from the everything-for-everyone options on North takes you to a quieter, maybe-I'll-actually-find-a-parking-space stretch of Clybourn that's equally kind to shoppers (Crate & Barrel Outlet, anyone?) but filled with cheap eats and good-for-groups dining options.

Where to chill
J. Alexander's
This contemporary American restaurant is a solid choice when your dining appetite can be classified as "modern," with a garden-full of salads (with homemade dressings like walnut vinaigrette), plenty of sandwiches, steak and prime rib, and specialties like the grown-up version of a childhood favorite: Mr. Jack's Chicken Finger Platter, served with bleu cheese slaw. The aforementioned Jack is no fictional character but Jack Massey, perhaps best known for his purchase of Kentucky Fried Chicken from Colonel Sanders in 1962, and owner of the J. Alexander's that dot the country. Wary of being labeled a chain, everything is as down-home as possible: Fish and beef are hand-cut on site, for example.

Those looking to meet a few friends for a drink will find few restaurant bar areas as invitingly hip. Leather armchairs and settees provide living room-like settings that urge you to stay awhile, and the drinks do little to sway you from logging some serious time. The beer selection is unremarkable, but the cocktail selection makes good on its name; no froo-froo drinks here, just well made classics concocted from choice liquor. The North Side Bloody Mary is a tomato and Grey Goose blend, and is sided by Knob Creek Manhattans and Dirty martinis on the menu. Those whose favorite flavor is "grape" will have no trouble picking a glass or bottle from a wine list that includes Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon and Cakebread Sauvignon Blanc.

Cheap eats
Amato's Pizzeria
Though delivery kicks off at the early hour of 11 a.m., this is one pizza joint you may want to eat-in at. Colorful murals, handwritten menu boards and meal-in-itself aromas make it hard to resist pulling up a chair. Once you do, you'll get your pick of pretty much anything your lil' heart desires: Pasta, subs, salads and calzones join a full roster of thin crust, pan and stuffed pizzas. Your large, 16-inch cheese will run you a pleasant $11.75, which you can then personalize with your pick of roasted red peppers, pineapple, grilled chicken and more. The sandwiches, served on fresh Turano bread with chips, coleslaw or cold pasta salad, average $5.25, and include mouth-watering appetizers-gone-meal-worthy like buffalo chicken breast and chicken bruschetta sandwiches. Friendly to a T, Amato's kindly asks that you "please leave porch light on for delivery person."

In-the-know spot
Trader Joe's
Grab your best canvas bag and head out to this organic gem. Earth lovers with automobiles will be happy to know there's free parking in the rear, and those on-foot only need trek three minutes past North Avenue's Whole Foods for cheaper eats (note: the elevator is the slowest this side of the Mississippi). Oddly placed next to the second-level parking garage, you'll find the famed products you know and love, like Two-Buck Chuck (try the Argenta Malbec instead, a ridiculous steal at $3.99) and Trader Joe's Light Whipped Cream (maybe not as famous as the bargain wine, but it should be).

Every natural aisle is teeming with goodies: addictive Fage yogurt, 99-cent Balance Bars, wasabi cashews, incredibly well priced vitamins, organic ketchup, frozen buffalo burgers?the list goes on and on. Cheese lovers should take advantage of Trader Joe's dairy bounty: a hunk of tasty blue cheese can run you as little as $2.30, and a wedge of brie is perfectly paired with the store's crusty demi baguettes. Be sure to swing by the built-in samples counter (walk straight to the back from the entrance) where you can be tempted by goodies you didn't plan on buying?but probably will.

Good for groups
What's the Beef
The pint-size chalkboard leaning against the front window plainly states "Eat Here." So why don't you? You'll quickly be catapulted back to grill-filled summer days, though thankfully, here you're armed with a bottle of ketchup, not a spatula. Bring a group, or just join one, when you grab a few inches of bench at the larger-than-large picnic table. Get ready to dig in. Using beef that's always fresh, never frozen, you'll have your choice of beef prepared in more ways than you can imagine: Italian beef sandwich, BBQ beef sandwich, fresh ground beef burger (with a warning: "Better be hungry"), homemade chili, cold roast beef sandwich, gyros and more. Non-beefeaters will have no problem picking between options like a veggie burger, chicken kabob pita and pepper and egg sandwich on toasted garlic Italian bread. In a bind, there's the ol' standby: fries smothered in cheddar cheese. Delivering and "beef for your party" available.

Late-night locale
Jaimito's Burritos
How can you walk by a burrito joint decked out with a mural of a zzzzzzz-ing sombrero-clad man, dreaming about, what else, burritos? That's right?you can't. And you won't want to, with prices and options like these. Take your pick of regular or large chicken, steak, al pastor or chorizo and egg burritos ($3.95, $4.95), or go the veggie route. The disparate offerings are Veggie Uno, with beans, veggies, tomatoes and salsa, and the not-so-Mexican Veggie Dos, with cous cous, veggies, lettuce, tomato and pesto. Specials include tamales, bistec a la Mexicana and chiles renellos. Four-tops provide seating for you and your friends, but stools along the window provide a perfect solo spot for munching on that taco. Explore more neighborhoods and train stops with our Virtual L navigator.

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Virtual L: Cermak/Chinatown (Red)

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

Hop on the Red Line and shoot straight past the Loop to Chinatown, where restaurant upon restaurant awaits.

photo: Michael Nagrant

Best of the nightlife
Three Happiness (Original)
Despite being off Chinatown's main drag, this small, unassuming restaurant is just as popular as its more central counterparts, as evidenced by the line near the door in mid-afternoon. The decor is nothing fancy, and aside from some Chinese lanterns and strung lights, it's just a handful of tables (one with a bonus lazy Susan in the center that allows easy sharing) in a small room. The crowded space and language barrier may make this place a bit hectic, but the food, heaping plates of authentic Mandarin and Cantonese cuisine, is clearly sumptuous.

Good for groups
Tommy Gun's Garage
Tommy Gun's Garage's warehouse setting boasts concrete floors and a rear entrance ... enterable if youse know da password. A trip to Tommy Gun's is as good as transportation back to the 1920s, complete with gangsters and flappers, Roaring '20s music and memorabilia, old school photos and more. As an interactive "speakeasy," Tommy Gun's Garage offers a family-friendly musical comedy revue with the expected cast of characters. Says Tommy's, "After youse have been served our great food (a choice of five entrees like Frankie's east broiled pork chops), and our fine hooch (alcohol) by da mugs and molls, join Vito, Gloves and others for non-stop comedy and dangerous fun." Tickets, which include the show and dinner (soup, salads, rolls, dessert and your choice of pasta, beef, fish, chicken or pork entree), run $50-$60.

Cheap eats
Furama
Hong Kong-style dim sum served daily. Waiters parade around the restaurant with steam carts, show you the goods and let you choose what (and how much) you want during the daily 9 a.m.-4 p.m. dim sum session. The food is good, from standbys like spring rolls and meat dumplings to more rare items like quail eggs and chicken feet. You settle up at the end of the meal, usually for less than $10. Dinner (sans the dim sum option) features entrees like shark's fin soup, scallops with broccoli in XO sauce, and sauteed squid with celery in a shrimp paste sauce. Plum wine and the Chinese beer Chin Tao round out the drink options. Free parking, semi-private rooms (reservations requested). Where to chill
Phoenix
Directly across from Chinatown Square is this two-in-one dining destination. Praised by Chicago critics (proven by an entrance decorated with its accolades), this restaurant has remained popular for its diversity of options. Downstairs is the Dumpling House, a casual, cafe-style spot that provides what few Chinatown restaurants do: round-the-clock dim sum. Here patrons can nosh on cold plates, Szechwan noodle dishes or Shanghai dim sum items like crispy scallion cake or steamed juicy dumpling with minced pork and ginger.

In-the-know spot
Won Kow
Prepare to kow-tow over Won Kow, a Chinatown eatery that serves up a side of history along with its dim sum. Starring in Chicagoans' hungry dreams of Chinese food since 1927, Won Kow is Chinatown's oldest eatery, and gosh darn it, it knows what it's doing. The food is awesome (fans of the place are apt to use capital letters for emphasis), the service is very friendly and the decor...leaves a little to be desired, but it's more than worth a trip all the same.

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Virtual L: Thorndale (Red)

Thu, 20 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

photo: Clifton Henri

At first glance, the area around the Thorndale stop looks like just another stretch of bleak and nondescript grid between Lakeview and Evanston. If you pay attention, though, you'll be rewarded with glints of obscured treasures and glimmers of exotica. You'll marvel at the ornate French gothic facade and sweeping Mediterranean interior of the Broadway Bank, originally designed in 1925 by Bernard Kurzon to be an auto showroom. You'll ponder shop signs in twisting Ethiopic script and hear people chatting in Amharic and Somali, or visit a shop that rents Nigerian videos. The mostly local restaurants offer a range of cuisines from eggs over easy to Ethiopian, and there are plenty of places where you can knock back a couple after work.

Best of the nightlife
Moody's Pub
It's rare that a bar can draw massive crowds no matter the season, but that's just what Moody?s Pub, with its rockin' beer garden and toasty interior, manages to do. During warmer months, wind your way through the pitch-black interior of this Edgewater pub to the hidden garden out back. The two-tiered garden has ample seating for couples and crowds, privacy from the road, waterfalls, wall ivy and plenty of silver maple trees, making this a hands-down winner for summertime socializing. When the weather turns cold, move indoors for cozy booths, really low lights and a roaring fireplace?the perfect antidote to the winter blues.

Good for groups
Ethiopian Diamond
If Ethiopian cuisine is foreign territory, the Ethiopian Diamond is an excellent place to embark on a tasting journey. Dining here is an easy and tasty way to be adventurous: the dining room is large and colorful, the servers are friendly and helpful, and the food is simply superb. Ethiopian entrees are served on circular trays that are lined with injera, unleavened, spongy bread made from teff flour. Entrees are usually stews (or watts), arranged in small, fragrant mounds on the injera like paint on a palette. You eat without utensils, using other pieces of injera to pick up morsels from your tray. It's best to bring a friend or two along, because Ethiopian meals are traditionally eaten communally from the same tray. It's a big tray, too, so you'll appreciate the help.

Cheap eats
Barry's Spot
There are only five seats in Barry's Spot and a cramped area in front of the counter. You might be surprised to find such a large number of options in so small a space. You can get pizza: entire pies fresh from the oven or phone book-size single slices from the rotating warmer. However, Barry's also offers rib tips, chicken wings, seafood, hot dogs, burgers, grinders, gyros, subs, pasta, salads and desserts. It's mostly a meat-fest, but vegetarians who like spinach can enjoy?well, the spinach pizza.

Where to chill
Ole St. Andrew's Inn
If you don't have a local watering hole of your own yet, Ole St. Andrew's Inn might be a good place to adopt. It's a quiet, low-key establishment where people can talk as they tipple and not shout to make themselves heard. Although there are four large televisions, the bartender cringes at the mention of the term "sports bar," and the televisions function on mute. The menu features the standard burgers-and-fish-and-chips pub fare. There is an interesting selection of beer on tap and, as you might expect, a long line of single malt Scotch on the top shelf.

In-the-know spot
Wild Rover
This place doesn't have a fancy visual design or uber-hip indie-pop pumping out of the loudspeakers (unless that's what you want; the always-reliable internet jukebox is on hand here). But what it does have is that friendly neighborhood atmosphere, offering a quaint and comforting place to tip back a few. Also, beers are so cheap you'll freak (kind of the alcoholic version of Jimmy John's motto) at $2.75 for domestic and $3.75 for imported. Explore more neighborhoods and train stops with our Virtual L navigator.

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Virtual L: Fullerton

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 12:00:00 CST

photo: Courtesy of Nick Flandro

Bustling activity isn't limited to the L platform of this transportation hub. Once you hit street level, a quick glance into any storefront will reassure you that this is one hood that never shuts down. Rows of students sip brew at the Bourgeois Pig; a stark yet chic setting greets martini drinkers at The Gramercy; rowdy fans fill any number of sports bars. Chances are you'll find what you're looking for just off Fullerton; chances are pretty good you'll have to push your way in, too. Best of the nightlife
Tonic Room
One part lounge, one part hip-hop, and one part speakeasy, Tonic Room aims to truly be a tonic. Touted for their ability to counter any ailment, tonics had a reputation as equal opportunity healers. In much the same way, Tonic Room is a design-you-own-evening locale, able to meld to both debaucherous and low-key expectations fairly well. Enjoy your favorite kind of counter-all-ills potion, often at prices that seem more last century than modern day. Tonic Room is as heavy on the sounds as it is on the sips. A hip-hop-heavy roster should please those looking for a good beat. Wednesdays feature live music, while iTuesday lets you control the tunes; bring your iPod and be the DJ for three songs or 15 minutes. Good for groups
McGee's
There's so much more to McGee's than DePaul students and $1 Bud and Miller bottles. (Though to be fair, the Thursday night special is one excellently priced incentive to haul down to this beneath-the-L-tracks bar). The front room's polished wood booths, plate glass windows, green-and-white tiled floors and brass detailing assigns a classic pub appearance to McGee's. The back houses a stage for live bands (look out for performances by local favorite Maggie Speaks) and two additional bars.

McGee's proudly claims more than 60 TV screens for patrons to catch all the Bears, Cubs and Bulls action. During football season, Saturday and Sunday brunch from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. makes the bar the perfect meeting spot for groups to gather and watch games over bloody marys and eggs benedict. Cheap eats
Sweets and Savories
This quiet cafe's nondescript exterior and veiled windows create the impression of an abandoned storefront, a perception quickly shattered upon entering this chocolate and rose-walled sensation. Those used to a more casual setting may be intimidated by the immaculate tablecloths and sophisticated clientele, but the warm, jeans-wearing wait staff quickly works to allay any fear of being in the wrong place. Any unease about pricier entrees or correct fork usage dissipates after diving in to Chef David Richards' rich, flavorful creations. Menu mainstays include delectables such as sweet potato bisque, strawberry risotto and a kobe burger topped with foie gras pate. Brunch lovers will delight in Richards' red wine poached eggs, while tea aficionados can enjoy sips of fragrant, exotic blends. But most important among Sweets and Savories' offerings are the items on its dessert menu. A chocolate cake with cocoa buttercream induces exquisite sugar shock. An apple crisp with raisins and cranberries delivers flaky, fruit-filled goodness. And handmade chocolate truffles are decadent without overwhelming taste buds. Where to chill
John's Place
The first clue into the vibe at John's Place is its name, which, quite simply, originated from owner John Manilow wanting a down-home restaurant to call his own. A handful of menu items feature John's mother's original recipes, while others are adorned with personal suggestions from the owner himself (he recommends adding chorizo to the breakfast burrito). The dining areas could also be mistaken for a personal dining room (albeit quite a bit larger) with lofty ceilings, wide-open spaces and local artwork. In-the-know spot
Sweet Mandy B's
Okay, so Sweet Mandy B's is about as under the radar as NYC's Magnolia Bakery. But cupcakes this good (and hues of frosting this bright and pretty) just can't be ignored. For the few stragglers who haven't yet popped into the queen "B" of the confection scene, think melt-in-your-mouth, sprinkle-festooned butter cream crowning golden cakes. Dream of home-baked pies, fresh chocolate chip cookies and snicker doodle treats sharing counter space with whoopee pies, rocky road brownies, s'mores and banana pudding cups. In short, ordering anything off the menu here is like taking a waltz with the sugar plum fairy. Expect nothing but pure, saccharine delight.

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