Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
929 W. Belmont Ave. (between Clark St. and Sheffield Ave.).
&
773/348-2378.
High chairs, boosters. Reser-
vations accepted for parties of 6 or more only. Main courses $7-$12. AE, DC, MC, V. Daily 7am-9pm. Free
parking with validation. Subway/El: Red Line to Belmont.
O'Donovan's
AMERICAN This century-old neighborhood restaurant
and jovial pub was sold by the Schulien family in 1999, but thankfully the new
owners have kept up the tradition that has thrilled kids for decades: Magicians
perform tableside tricks on Saturday evenings. (To avoid the bar-oriented rush,
come early, at 5 or 6pm.) Although there's no kids' menu, ordering appetizers for
the kids works just as well. For adults, burgers are the thing, although options also
include steaks, chops, and seafood. As the night progresses, O'Donovan's draws a
good mix of late-20-something blue- and white-collar patrons with a healthy
selection of microbrews. On Sunday the expansive buffet features all-you-can-eat
scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, carved ham, roast beef, waffles, and omelets
made to order and biscuits and gravy; it costs $7.95.
2100 W. Irving Park Rd.
&
773/478-2100.
High chairs. Reservations not accepted. Main courses $6-$16.
AE, MC, V. Tues-Thurs 4-10pm; Fri-Sat 4-11pm; Sun 10am-3pm. Subway/El: Brown Line to Irving Park. Bus:
11 or 80.
Penny's Noodle Shop
ASIAN/NOODLES Predating many of
Chicago's Pan-Asian noodle shops, Penny's has kept its loyal following even as
others have joined the fray. Penny Chiarnopoulous, a Thai native, has assembled
a concise menu of delectable dishes, all of them fresh and made to order—and at
prices that will make you do a double-take. The two dining rooms are clean and
spare. The Thai spring roll, filled with seasoned tofu, cucumber, bean sprouts,
and strips of cooked egg, makes a refreshing starter. Of course, noodles unite
everything on the menu, so your main decision is choosing among noodles
(crispy wide rice, rice vermicelli, Japanese udon, and so on) in a heaping bowl of
soup or spread out on a plate. There are several barbecued pork and beef entrees,
and plenty of options for vegetarians. The original Penny's, tucked under the El
tracks at 3400 N. Sheffield Ave., near Wrigley Field (
&
773/281-8222
), is small
and often has long waits; you stand a better chance of scoring a table at the
Diversey Avenue location (address below) or the one in Wicker Park, at 1542 N.
Damen Ave. (
&
773/394-0100
).
950 W. Diversey Ave. (at Sheffield St.).
&
773/281-8448.
High chairs, boosters. Reservations not accepted.
Main courses $4.50-$7.95. MC, V. Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10:30pm. Subway/El: Brown Line
to Diversey.
Uncommon Ground
BREAKFAST/SANDWICHES A living-room
atmosphere created by a wood-burning stove and artwork on the walls that
rotates frequently (and is always available for purchase), Uncommon Ground is
home to local artists, musicians, and writers. (Five nights a week, you can check
out a performance in the back room by a local trying to make the big time—
highly recommended for families with teens.) Thankfully for families, the
atmosphere is 100% smoke-free. Its menu is heartier and more extensive than
most Chicago coffeehouses. Indulge in steaming bowls of latte and hot choco-
late and some of the yummy baked goods or choose from the menu, which is
heavy on breakfast foods like nutty oatmeal with bananas; the “uncommon”
breakfast burrito, a croissant with ham, egg, and cheese; and granola piled with
fresh fruit and yogurt. One can't-miss choice is the apple-pecan whole-wheat
pancakes with cranberry-honey butter. Lunchtime means sandwiches, hummus
platter, and offerings of wine and beer. Pick a prime spot on the window seats,
Finds
Value
Finds
