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his 80s, died in 1999, and the Woodlawn Tap almost went with him. But the
bar holds a sentimental spot in many Hyde Parkers' hearts, and they came
together to support the place even as it battled complicated city ordinances
under new management. So even though Woodlawn Tap is the place's official
name, it will remain forever “Jimmy's” to generations of U of C students. 1172 E.
55th St. (at Woodlawn Ave.). & 773/643-5516. Metra train to 57th St. stop.
The Lucky Strike A new bar/pool hangout with a retro feel, Lucky Strike
covers all the bases: a menu of burgers and sandwiches, a good selection of beers
on tap, a room to shoot pool, and eight lanes of bowling. While you won't find
any attitude here, it's definitely a step up from the usual scruffy college tavern.
1055 E. 55th St. & 773/347-2695. Metra train to 57th St. stop.
CAFES
Café Jumping Bean A great little cafe in the heart of Pilsen, just southwest
of the Loop, the Jumping Bean is ideal for watching the colorful ebb and flow
of daily life in this vibrant Mexican-American neighborhood. It serves up the
usual espresso drinks, muffins, and pastries, but it also offers decent salads,
cheesecakes, natural vegetable and fruit juices, and—best of all—a tantalizing
selection of licuados, a Mexican version of the American shake, which is made
with milk, sugar, ice, and fresh fruit (try the mango). The artistic doings outside,
characterized by colorful outdoor murals on building walls, spill over into the
cafe, which features rotating exhibitions of paintings and hand-painted tables by
local artists. The place even hosts live flamenco music and poetry readings in
Spanish. Everyone is welcome, from families with little kids to the loft-dwelling
artists who've lately infiltrated Pilsen. 1439 W. 18th St. (2 blocks east of Ashland Ave.).
& 312/455-0019. Subway/El: Blue Line to 18th St.
Intelligentsia A down-to-earth San Francisco married couple has set up its
own coffee-roasting operation here in the heart of Chicago's Lakeview neigh-
borhood. Beans are roasted in a French roaster that dominates the cafe, and the
owners also make their own herbal and black teas. Warm drinks are served in
handsome cups nearly too big to get your hands around, and tea sippers are fur-
nished with their own pot and brew timer. Sit in the window or in one of the
Adirondack chairs on the sidewalk and watch the world go by, or decamp to the
homey seating area in the back. 3123 N. Broadway (between Belmont Ave. and Diversey
Pkwy.). & 773/348-8058. Subway/El: Red Line to Addison.
Julius Meinl Austria's premier coffee roaster chose Chicago—and even more
mysteriously, a location near Wrigley Field—for its first U.S. outpost. The result
is a mix of Austrian style (upholstered banquettes, white marble tables, newspa-
pers hanging on wicker frames) and American cheeriness (lots of natural light,
smiling waitstaff, smoke-free air). The coffee and hot chocolate are excellent,
served European-style on small silver platters with a glass of water on the side.
But it's the desserts that keep the regulars coming back. Try the apple strudel or
millennium torte (glazed with apricot jam and chocolate ganache) and for a
moment you'll swear you're in Vienna. 3601 N. Southport Ave. (at Addison St.). & 773/
868-1857. Subway/El: Brown Line to Southport.
Third Coast Just steps away from the raucous frat-boy atmosphere of Divi-
sion Street is this laid-back, classic, independent coffeehouse. The below-ground
space is a little shabby, but it attracts an eclectic mix of office workers, students,
and neighborhood regulars. The full menu serves up food late, and the drinks
run the gamut from lattes to cocktails. There's also often some kind of folk
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