Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
145
RIVER NORTH
SushiSamba Rio 504 N. Wells St., at Illinois Street ( & 312/595-2300 ). For stun-
ning nighttime views of the skyline—and some pretty stunning people—head to the
rooftop deck of this Latin-Asian fusion spot. Canopied banquettes and flickering tea
lights create a sultry atmosphere, along with a menu of specialty cocktails.
LINCOLN PARK
Charlie's Ale House 1224 W. Webster Ave., at Magnolia Avenue ( & 773/871-
1440 ). A true neighborhood hangout, this Linc oln Park pub's wonderful beer gar-
den is spacious and buzzing with activity and good vibes.
North Pond 2610 N. Cannon Dr., halfway between Diversey Parkway and Ful-
lerton Avenue ( & 773/477-5845 ). Set on the banks of one of Lincoln Park's beauti-
ful lagoons , the ex cellent Nor th P ond ser ves upscale , fr esh-as-can-be American
cuisine in a r omantic and sylvan setting . One caveat: Alcohol is not permitt ed on
the outdoor patio.
O'Brien's Restaur ant 1528 N. Wells St., 2 blocks south of Nor th A venue
( & 312/787-3131 ). Wells Street in Old Town is lined with several alfresco options,
but the best belongs t o O'Brien's, the unofficial nucleus of neighborhood lif e. The
outdoor patio has t eakwood furniture, a gaz ebo bar, and a mural of the o wners'
country club on a brick wall. Order the dressed-up chips, a house specialty.
WRIGLEYVILLE & VICINITY
Arco de C uchilleros 3445 N. Halst ed St., at Newpor t Avenue ( & 773/296-
6046 ). Savvy Spanish tapas aficionados thumb their noses at tr endy Cafe Iberico
and Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!; the tapas and sangria at this lesser-known Wrigleyville res-
taurant can c ompete with the best of them. The intimate, leafy t errace out back
glows with lantern light.
Moody's 5910 N. Br oadway A ve., bet ween Rosedale and Thorndale a venues
( & 773/275-2696 ). Moody's has been grilling some of the best burgers in Chicago
for the past 30 y ears. It's ideal in winter for its dark, cozy dining room (warmed by
a fireplace), but it's better still in summer for its awesome outdoor patio, a real hid-
den treasure.
5
WICKER PARK/BUCKTOWN
Northside Café 1635 N. Damen Ave., just north of North Avenue ( & 773/384-
3555 ). On a sunn y summer da y, Northside seems like Wicker Park's town square,
packed with an eclectic mix of locals catching up and checking out the scene. The
entire front of the restaurant opens onto the street, making it relatively easy to get
an “outdoor” table.
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