Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
piled with cozy cushions. Teens will get a kick out of the Midwest's alternative
press on hand here, from the
Reader
to the
Onion,
for your reading pleasure.
1214 W. Grace St. (at Clark St.).
&
773/929-3680.
Kids' menu, high chairs, boosters. Main courses $3-$10;
kids' menu $2-$5. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Thurs 9am-11pm; Fri-Sat 9am-midnight. Subway/El: Red Line
to Addison. Bus: 22.
8 Wicker Park/Bucktown
The booming Wicker Park/Bucktown area followed closely in the race to gen-
trification on the heels of Lincoln Park and Wrigleyville. First came the artists,
photographers, and musicians, followed by armies of yuppies and young fami-
lies, originally following the cheap rents and real estate, and later chasing the
cachet that became attached to the neighborhood. Happily, what's now one of
the city's hippest restaurant scenes includes a number of fun options for fami-
lies. Get yourself to the nexus of activity at the intersection of North, Damen,
and Milwaukee avenues, and you won't have to walk more than a couple of
blocks in any direction to find a hot spot. (
Note to parents of teens:
The house
featured on MTV's
Real World Chicago
is just south of this intersection, on
North Ave., the north side of the street.) Cab fare is within reason from down-
town, or you can take the El's Blue Line to Damen.
INEXPENSIVE
Northside Café
AMERICAN/BURGERS I highly recommend this
spot for high-quality cheap eats. Northside cooks up great burgers, sandwiches,
and salads, all for under $10. This is strictly neighborhood dining, without atti-
tude 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 Northside opens up its large patio for dining, and a sky-lit cover keeps it
in use during the winter. You're sure to be entertained people-watching, as North-
side attracts all sorts. During the week it's more of a neighborhood hangout, but
on the weekends a touristy crowd from Lincoln Park and the suburbs moves in.
1635 N. Damen Ave. (at North and Milwaukee aves.).
&
773/384-3555.
High chairs, boosters. Reservations
not accepted. Menu items $5.95-$11. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Sun-Fri 11:30am-2am; Sat 11am-3am. Sub-
way/El: Blue Line to Damen.
Silver Cloud Bar & Grill
DINER How can kids not feel at home here?
Silver Cloud is one of few Chicago restaurants I know that has tater tots on the
menu (and naturally, every time I eat here, I work my entire meal selection
around this “side”). This Bucktown restaurant's motto is
FOOD LIKE MOM
WOULD MAKE IF SHE WAS GETTING PAID
. Although the food isn't extraordinary,
it should please kids. The grilled cheese is made with mozzarella, Monterey Jack,
and cheddar on Italian bread and served with a bowl of Campbell's tomato soup.
Other favorites are chicken potpie, pot roast, and even sloppy joes. Retro
desserts include s'mores and root beer floats. Roomy red leather booths are a hit
with families. In good weather sit outside (the seating area is on the side street,
so you avoid the noise of Damen Ave.). A sign at the bar asks
WHY NOT ENJOY
A NICE
,
RIPE CIGAR
?—but never fear, families, there's no lighting up until after
10pm. This place is not a tourist hot spot, so enjoy the people-watching—most
customers are neighborhood folks. You might try the Sunday brunch, which is
especially popular.
1700 N. Damen Ave. (at Wabansia St.).
&
773/489-6212.
www.silvercloudchicago.com. High chairs, boost-
ers. Reservations accepted. Main courses $6.50-$10 lunch, $6.50-$13 dinner. AE, DC, MC, V. Mon-Thurs
11:30am-11pm; Fri 11:30am-midnight; Sat-Sun 10am-midnight. Subway/El: Blue Line to Damen.
Value
