Where to Dine - Chicago - page 85

1958 N. Damen Ave. (at Armitage Ave.). & 773/862-6600. www.lebouchonof
chicago.com. Reservations recommended. Main courses $16-$20. AE, DC, DISC, MC,
V. Mon-Thurs 5:30-11pm; Fri-Sat 5pm-midnight. Subway/El: Blue Line to Damen,
and then a short cab ride.
INEXPENSIVE
Hot Chocolate AMERICAN Mindy Segal's desserts got raves
when she worked at the restaurant mk (p. 67), so when she opened
her own place in early 2005—with a dessert theme, no less—there
were lines almost immediately. Although Segal knows her way
around high-end kitchens, she's designed Hot Chocolate to be more
of a casual neighborhood spot, the kind of place you can stop in for
a brioche and coffee in the morning, a Kobe beef steak sandwich at
lunch, or a plate of glazed pork tenderloin in the evening. However,
desserts are the main event here; many use seasonal fruit (apple-cider
potpie, or the banana napoleon, with layers of caramelized bananas,
banana coffee cake, graham crackers, and a topping of banana ice
cream), but chocoholics can get their fill, too, with dishes such as the
rich chocolate soufflé with caramel ice cream. Or you can finish up
with a flight of mini hot chocolates served with homemade marsh-
mallows.
1747 N. Damen Ave. (at Willow St.). & 773/489-1747. Reservations not accepted.
Main courses $10-$13 lunch, $12-$23 dinner. AE, MC, V. Tues-Fri 11am-3pm;
Sat-Sun 10am-2pm; Tues-Wed and Sun 5:30-10pm; Thurs 5:30-11pm; Fri-Sat
5:30-midnight. Subway/El: Blue Line to Damen.

Northside Café AMERICAN/BURGERS Among the best cheap
eats in the neighborhood, Northside cooks up great burgers, sand-
wiches, and salads—all for about $15 or less. This is strictly neigh-
borhood dining, without attitude and little in the way of decor; the
back dining room looks like a rec room circa 1973, complete with a
fireplace, pinball machines, and a pool table. In nice weather, North-
side opens up its large front patio for dining, and a sky-lit cover
keeps it in use during the winter. You're always sure to be entertained
by people-watching here, as Northside attracts all sorts. During the
week, the cafe is more of a neighborhood hangout, while on week-
ends a touristy crowd from Lincoln Park and the suburbs piles in. A
limited late-night menu is available from 10pm to 1am.
1635 N. Damen Ave. (at North and Milwaukee aves.). & 773/384-3555. Reserva-
tions not accepted. Menu items $6-$15. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Fri

11:30am-2am; Sat 11am-3am. Subway/El: Blue Line to Damen.