Comment Archives: Locations: Bar
Re: “The Lodge”
Captain Chicago loves this place - especially the Bullpen!
Re: “The Bad Apple”
After numerous times attempting to dine at Bad Apple, I finally relegated it strictly as a drinking bar. Damn near every time I ordered a burger, their infamous La Frieda beef was over-cooked to hockey puck hardness. This happened on three different occasions, and on the final time, I actually spoke with the owner (something I RARELY do) and he rightfully gave me a gift card for my next stop. Thankfully, the give card was only used on beer. Great spot, though. I love the mini arcade in back and the overall vibe. They just need to get a handle on their kitchen.
Re: “Just Butch's”
Sad counsin sorry to hear. I was not there but heard. Like your cousin. Trying to find out more information. I know of the guy that supposedly did it. Is your cousin really in ICU as I heard. I am really put off by this,.
Re: “Just Butch's”
Too bad my cousin was beaten almost to death outside of the bar with no one to help him.
Re: “The Drunken Pig”
We went to this wonderful restaurant for my husband's birthday and I can not say enough great things--delicious food, gracious hosts, interesting and fun drinks. They were so accomodating to us. We went from a reservation of 12 to 20 and they were able to take care of all of our needs with no worries. Can't wait to go back!
Re: “Hopleaf”
Hopleaf has been a favorite of mine for years. I was disappointed when we brought visitors there a couple of weeks ago. It was my first visit since Hopleaf's expansion, and I hope they didn't forget how to do mussels & frites during the makeover.
The frites were sad: soggy, not nearly crispy/dark enough. The mussels, usually plump and tasty, were puny and ehhh. The only thing saving it from 2 stars is the beer -- it remains a mecca for Belgian ale fans.
C'mon, you guys -- get your groove back!
Re: “Allium”
Nice makeover from Seasons to Allium. There’s still a very appealing menu, polished staff and a comfortable setting – it’s just been updated and casualized a bit.
I liked a seasonal pumpkin salad, and also risotto with escargot and frog legs. Everything was nicely cooked, flavorful and attractive. Lavosh was tasty, and was served on a witty hanger. Everyone at the table enjoyed their food, and the ambiance was warm and welcoming. Allium does an especially good job with lighting – the room is generally dim & intimate, but spotlights illuminate each tabletop so diners can see and enjoy the food (and each other).
If you’re driving, note that Allium validates parking at a nearby parking garage, but NOT the hotel’s valet parking, which is exorbitant.
We had a fine time, and I am looking forward to returning!
Re: “Players Bar & Grill”
I went there on Nov.7, 2012. The extensive menu described above has been replaced with one double-sided page of the usual bar food suspects. Too bad, I ate here during its heyday when it was very much worthwhile.
Re: “Buddy Guy's Legends”
JAM SESSION ON MONDAYS STINKS TO HIGH HEAVEN -- AND IT'S WORKED MY LAST NERVE.
The place was packed to the gills tonight -- and I think the same standards that management would expect for a paid artist can be applied at least to some degree to the players who step on that stage. I just stood 30 minutes, drink in hand, having traveled 70 blocks from the south side to sit in. I watched some yokel from Texas completely hog the stage. I've seen it quite a number of times before -- where the guitar is so loud that everything, and I mean EVERYTHING else was a wash. But while the host guzzled a beer in the vestibule, this numb-nut played a 10 minute song in one chord. ONE CHORD. Even the bass player was like WTF, and the harp guy was pretty much useless. And here's another indicator: look at the crowd. Boredom has set in. Heads droop, the lady to my left is absentmindedly circling the rim of her glass with her finger, the quiet, polite yawns begin. Wouldn't it be nice if our host(s) intervened, moved it along?
Tell every screaming, cookie-cutter lead guitarist to turn it down -- to respect the other players on the stage. They want to be heard, and they want to compliment each other's playing.
Re: “Bar Umbriago”
Great Restaurants. Not the correct menu on this site at all. The reader is for idiots.
Re: “Bank Shots Bar and Grill”
Unfortunately closed, didn't renew lease.
Re: “Bar Umbriago”
This restaurant is 5 stars to me. I was there the other night and the menu looked nothing like the one listed here. Is this the old EATT menu? If I was writing about a restaurant i would at least have the correct menu. Go to the website and get updated.
Re: “Zella”
It should have stayed Moran's. The food, drinks and service have gone down hill over the years. Poor quality. A quiet attempt by the owners to pinch pennies during the recession? They don't have the money to invest in training their staff or ordering quality supplies?
Re: “Grass Fed”
Awesome new Bucktown spot! Great outdoor patio and well thought out concept! Steak was amazingly tender, fries were crispy and our server was super friendly! Will definitely be back! Oh yeah, don't forget to try one of their infused house cocktails that they bottle and serve tableside!
Re: “The Alcove”
This place is great. Nice vibe. Very straightforward, with charming decor. Yummy paninis.
Re: “Just Butch's”
The more wimps are put off by the place the better. More for the locals to enjoy.
Re: “Just Butch's”
This place is a real garbage dump full of white thrash
Re: “Exchequer Restaurant and Pub”
One of my favorite spots for burgers and beer in the Loop. Huge burgers for $9 and draft beers ranging from $4 to $7. Can't beat that. A must go-to place in Chicago!
Re: “Union Pizzeria”
We came to Union Pizzeria prior to a show at the conjoined SPACE venue, and we were pleasantly surprised. What a great pizza parlor! The menu is appealing, service was friendly and quick – and our food was delicious.
We shared a large mixed green salad, and it was plenty for the two of us. The greens were exemplary and the date vinaigrette was a treat. It was hard to choose from among the tempting pizzas, but we settled on a potato/asparagus version and it was fabulous – tasty crust that was crisp outside & chewy inside, fresh toppings, perfect seasoning. Mmm-hmmm! For dessert, a polenta poundcake with peaches and whipped cream was satisfying, though my companion noted that she could make a better one (and I’m sure she could). For drinks, there was a broad selection of wine by the glass, and a nice beer menu.
Union is a real gem -- it’ll be at the top of my list when I visit Evanston in the future!
Re: “Mullen's Bar and Grill”
I have had three bad experiences here due to the inflexibility of the management staff. Each experience involved the same afternoon/ night manager who's name starts with a T and rhymes with epiphany. My beer was warm and flat and she would not give me a fresh one. Another time i could not finish my 'daily special' and was told that because it was a 'special' that i could not take my leftovers. (WHAT?!?). And finally i was unfortunate enough to catch the excess ice on my clothing from a full ice bin scoop that she had decided to hurl at a patron seated at the bar, for whatever reason. i have not gone back since and have spoken with many others who are similarly dissatisfied. It's too bad because i live nearby and the food is pretty fair, if a bit pricey.