Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
fruits, although the coconut mochi brûlée with warm pineapple puts a whole
new twist on rice pudding.
2039 W. North Ave. (at Milwaukee Ave.). & 773/395-7100. www.springrestaurant.net. Reservations rec-
ommended. Main courses $16-$25. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Tues-Thurs 5:30-10pm; Fri-Sat 5:30-11pm; Sun
5:30-9pm. Subway: Blue Line to Damen.
MODERATE
Club Lucky TRADITIONAL ITALIAN Club Lucky seems to have
been carved from a local 1950s-era corner tavern with a catering business in the
back room. In fact, the place was designed to look like that, with plenty of Nau-
gahyde banquettes, a Formica-topped bar and tables, and Captain Video ceiling
fixtures. The scene here is youngish and fairly dressy; expect to wait for a seat
(but that just gives you time to order one of the signature martinis).
You might or might not take to the scene, but the food does not disappoint.
Prices overall are moderate, especially considering the generous family-style por-
tions. The large calamari appetizer—“for two,” the menu says—will almost cer-
tainly keep you in leftover land for a day or two. The menu offers real Italian
home-style cooking, such as pasta e fagioli (thick macaroni-and-bean soup—
really a kind of stew). Or, try the rigatoni with veal meatballs, served with
steamed escarole and melted slabs of mozzarella, or the spicy grilled boneless
pork chops served with peppers and roasted potatoes. The lunch menu includes
about a dozen Italian sandwiches, such as scrambled eggs and pesto, meatball,
and Italian sausage.
1824 W. Wabansia Ave. (1 block north of North Ave., between Damen and Ashland aves.). & 773/227-2300.
www.clubluckychicago.com. Reservations accepted for parties of 6 or more. Sandwiches $6.95-$8.95; main
courses $8.95-$18. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 11:30am-11pm; Fri 11:30am-midnight; Sat 5pm-mid-
night; Sun 2-10pm; cocktail lounge open later. Subway/El: Blue Line to Damen.
Feast AMERICAN A slightly more upscale alternative to Northside Café
across the street (see below), Feast is welcoming no matter what the weather.
Throughout the summer, the outdoor patio is a popular gathering spot for local
families and groups of friends; during the day, you'll see young moms negotiat-
ing strollers through the maze of chairs, while at night, couples on dates lean
toward each other for conversations by candlelight. Come winter, the stone fire-
place in the front lounge gives the restaurant a warm, inviting glow. Owner/chef
Debbie Sharpe, a popular figure on the Wicker Park dining scene, describes
Feast as “a neighborhood restaurant with a global beat.” Multicultural dishes
include black-bean jalapeño ravioli with roasted poblano peppers; grilled tuna
with wasabi mashed potatoes and stir-fried vegetables; and pumpkin ravioli with
spiced walnuts, sage, and goat cheese. More straightforward options include
burgers and salads. Service can range from adequate to nearly nonexistent, but
the restaurant's relaxed vibe and eclectic menu keeps Feast busy nonetheless.
1616 N. Damen Ave. (at North Ave.). & 773/772-7100. Reservations accepted. Main courses $11-$19. AE,
DC, DISC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs 11:30am-3pm and 5:30-10pm; Fri 11:30am-3pm and 5:30-11pm; Sat
9am-3pm and 5:30-11pm; Sun 9am-3pm and 5-9pm. Subway/El: Blue Line to Damen.
Jane's ECLECTIC Jane's has long been ignored by snobbish dining
critics, which is all the more reason to love this inconspicuous charmer. This
does not, however, mean that snagging a table at Jane's is an easy feat. On the
contrary; this is a hugely popular destination among Wicker Park/Bucktown
habitués, who'd prefer to keep it a secret. (Wait for your table at the Bucktown
Pub or the Leopard Lounge, two of Bucktown's friendliest bars, which are across
the street and next door, respectively.)
Value
Finds
Search WWH ::




Custom Search