Enjoy a variety of food and drink offerings this summer
June 5, 2009
By Marie Balice Ward | June 2009
To help you enjoy the summer, you will from time to time want a quick snack, a refreshing drink, a fine meal, or a store where you can shop for food to prepare yourself. Look no further than this community, which offers some of Chicagoland’s finest eating and food shopping experiences.
BAKED GOODS
Bake for Me! 608 W. Roosevelt Rd., (312) 957-1994; 350 N. Clark St., (312) 644-7750, and a new location: 4305 S. Halsted St. (773) 624-9900. Bake for Me! features festive cakes, wedding cakes, fancy tortes, pastries, and assorted cookie trays. Cakes for children are popular items. Also there are weddingcake tastings held on one Saturday each month. Other specialties include logo and photo cookies, fresh strawberry chocolate mousses, and carrot and German chocolate cakes. A special cake is featured every month for office birthdays and other occasions. Visit www.bakeforme.com for details about the monthly specials. Eightand ten-inch cakes always are available (serving up to 16 people). Custom or larger cakes (for 50 or more people) are available by calling 24 hours in advance. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Clark St. location is closed on Sat. All locations are closed on Sun.
Biscotti’s Galore and More, Inc., 3160 S. Wells St., (312) 842-7670, fax (312) 842-8710, www.biscottisgalore.com, biscottisgalore@sbcglobal.net. Recommended by Steve Dolinsky, the “Hungry Hound” on Channel 7-TV, Biscotti’s Galore offers Italian cookies for all occasions.” There are 12 different cookies at Biscotti’s Galore. Among them are sliced plain and almond biscotti, nut cup, chocolate wedding cookies, lemon cookies, crescents, kolaky, gingerlini, cucidadi (fig cookies), nonna vecchia, and nonna biscotti. Biscotti’s Galore offers hand-made cheese ravioli. Delivery is available. Hours: Mon., Tues., and Wed., 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Thurs. and Fri. 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Sat. and Sun. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Ferrara Bakery, 2210 W. Taylor St., (312) 666-2200, www.ferrarabakery.com. Ferrara’s signature cannoli cake, along with a wide variety of party cakes, cookies, as well as its candies, biscotti, and pastries have been a family tradition for more than 100 years. Wedding cakes and sweet tables are among Ferrara’s many specialties. On weekdays, Ferrara serves a full menu, dining in or to go. Among its wide selections are many pasta dishes such as shells with vegetables, rigatoni in béchamel sauce, as well as other entrees including chicken marsala. Ferrara also serves soups, pizza, and salads as well as hot and cold sandwiches. Ferrara also features a daily espresso bar. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Italian Superior Bakery, 933 S. Western Ave., (312) 733-5092, www.italiansuperiorbakery.com. Specializing in breads and pizzas for many years, Italian Superior Bakery recently added selections of Italian cookies, pastries, and cakes including cannoli, chocolate, fruit fillings, as well as cassata (a Sicilian specialty) and tiramisu. Special occasion cakes also are available. Hours: Tues. through Sun. 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
BARS/LOUNGES
The Drum & Monkey, 1435 W. Taylor St., (312) 563-1874. The Drum & Monkey name is inspired by a popular pub in Glasgow, Scotland, and evokes the tradition of a friendly neighborhood bar. Choices at the Drum & Monkey include fish and chips, Reuben sandwiches, fish tacos, and Cajun tilapia dinners. The atmosphere at the Drum & Monkey is eclectic. It sports a tin ceiling and Tiffany-like lighting. There also are European and American beers to choose from including Irish favorites such as Bass, Harp, and Guinness. Specials include a “Chico” burger and beer special for $7, and buckets of Red Stripe for $13; on Fridays a special is fish and chips and Swithwick’s for $9. There also is a micro-brew selection. The atmosphere is made complete with a jukebox, and Tuesdays are karaoke nights. The Drum & Monkey also features a billiards table, video games, a shuffleboard table, and Wii bowling on Sunday and Monday; Gold Tee in the bar is soon to come. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 a.m., and Sun. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.
Gem Bar Lounge & Grill, 2700 S. Loomis St., (773) 847-8140. Gem Bar Lounge & Grill—listed on MetroMix—claims its location as “where Bridgeport begins.” Daily menu selections include appetizers, pizza by the slice, and sandwiches as well as tacos for 99 cents each. Everything is made from fresh ingredients. Family owned since 1920. “At the river, drop in” is its motto, due to its location at the south branch of the south fork of the Chicago River. Its private dining area accommodates up to 50 persons. There is abundant street parking. Hours: Sun. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.; and Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Little Joe’s Circle Lounge, 1041 W. Taylor St., (312) 829-5888, fax (312) 829-0261. Established in 1946, Little Joe’s is operated by the third generation of the Assenato family. The atmosphere—an eclectic blend of rustic, contemporary, and Victorian details—is comfortable and inviting. Among the interior features at Little Joe’s Circle Lounge is track lighting with Italian–imported shades in green, two plasma televisions behind the bar, and a Touchtone jukebox. The Assenato family offers the highest standards in hospitality. The fare is simple, well prepared, abundant, and competitively priced. Kitchen hours: Mon. through Sat. 5 p.m. to closing. Bar hours: Mon. through Fri. 3 p.m. to closing, and Sat. 3 p.m. to closing. Little Joe’s Circle Lounge is closed on Sun.
M Lounge, 1520 S. Wabash Ave., (312) 447-0201, fax (312) 922-7120, info@mloungechicago.com, www.mloungechicago.com. M Lounge is an intimate martini lounge featuring jazz music, an array of specialty martinis, and fine spirits. Live jazz performances are held every Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 to 10 p.m., no cover charge. Every Thursday, patrons enjoy $5 call cocktails and 25% off bottles of wine. M Lounge also can host holiday parties of from six to 30 people. Looking for something a bit larger? Inquire about hosting a private event. Hours: Tues. through Thurs. 5 p.m. to midnight; Fri. 5 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Sat. 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. M Lounge is closed on Sundays and Mondays for private events. Valet parking is available on weekends.
South Loop Club, 701 S. State St., (312) 427-2787. A popular South Loop destination for 21 years, South Loop Club offers a substantial food menu that includes burgers, Buffalo wings, pizzas, salads, sandwiches, seafood, veggie burgers, spicy black bean burgers, and side dishes. It draws students from nearby universities, tradespersons, and professionals. Thirteen TV screens bring a wide variety of sports games to patrons, simultaneously. South Loop Club also offers sporting events packages for patrons to view games from around the country. A Golden Tee golf machine, jukebox, and electronic dart games add to the entertainment. The South Loop Club offers 80 different bottled beers—12 on tap—and a fullystocked bar. Carryout also is available. South Loop Club helps patrons celebrate special events in a special, fun atmosphere. The kitchen and bar stay open until last call. Hours: Sun. through Fri. 11 a.m. to 4 a.m., Sat. 11 a.m. to 5 a.m.
MEALS
Bruna’s Ristorante, 2424 S. Oakley Ave., (773) 254-5550. Since 1933, Bruna’s has served fine Italian cuisine including a variety of pasta dishes and meat and fish entrees. Some of the most popular dishes are veal scallopini, mussels marinara, and penne a la puttanesca. Specials are offered daily. Bruna’s also has an extensive wine list and imports a selected Chianti and vino nobile di Montepulciano. The most popular dessert is Bruna’s own tiramisu. Other popular dessert specials include chocolate mousse cake and wild berry tart. Gelato also is available, with pistachio being a favorite. Carryout is available. Valet parking is offered every day except on Mon. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sun. 1 to 10 p.m.
Burger Baron, 1381 W. Grand Ave., (312) 733-3285, www.burgerbaron.net. Burger Baron serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a pleasant family style atmosphere. Breakfast sandwiches, egg selections, omelets, and French toast are only some of the breakfast choices. Burger Baron serves homemade soup daily. Its sandwiches include Burger Baron’s “Great Burger,” patty melt, cheeseburgers, Italian beef, Italian sausage, hot dogs, ribs, corned beef, fish, sub, steak, chicken, Phillies and gyros among many others. Burger Baron also offers a wide selection of dinner entrees. In addition, there are soft-serve ice cream and milkshakes to choose from. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closed on Sun.
Café Bionda, 1924 S. State St., (312) 326-9800, fax (312) 326-9801, www.cafebionda.com, Cafebionda1@yahoo.com. Bionda means “blond woman” in Italian, noted the café’s partners, Joe Farina and Gerard Burke. Farina is a seasoned chef with more than 20 years of experience, and Burke is responsible for the classic interior design of the restaurant. Since June 2006, Café Bionda has offered authentic Italian dishes including homemade meatballs, Fontanini sausage with sautéed red and green peppers, baked clams, veal Francese, osso bucco, escarole, and beans to name but a few of its selections. Café Bionda’s full bar includes a signature martini list and a vast array of red and white wines. Its main dining room seats 70, with a private room for up to 50 persons, and two mahogany bars that each seat 15 people. There is an outdoor seating area as well. Parking is free in the lot behind the restaurant, with valet parking available after 5 p.m. on weekends. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sun. 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Carm’s Beef and Italian Ice, 1057 W. Polk St., (312) 738-1046. Member of the Hall of Fame — Vienna Beef Hall of Fame, that is — since 2006, Carm’s offers a wide array of hot sandwiches, a choice of subs, and more than ten Italian ice flavors, some made with fresh fruit. Among its sandwich selections are: Vienna beef, meatball, chicken, sausage, fish, eggplant, rib eye steak, and Vienna Polish. Choice of side dishes also is abundant. The Italian ice also comes in individual servings as well as party-size containers to take home. Summer hours: Seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for the kitchen and until 11 p.m. for Italian ice.
Connie’s Pizza, 2373 S. Archer Ave., (312) 674-2200, fax (312) 842-5274, www.conniespizza.com. Connie’s has been in business since 1963 and is a proud official sponsor of Taste of Chicago, Gospel Fest, the Chicago White Sox, Wrigley Field, and Brookfield Zoo among many other Chicago attractions. Connie’s has a wide selection of entrees, salads, and sandwiches, and specializes in Italian cuisine. Connie’s also specializes in catering for social gatherings including weddings, as well as corporate luncheons or dinners of any size, provided by its offsite full staff of catering experts. Pickup, delivery, and eat-in accommodations are available. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to midnight, and Sun. 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Damenzo’s Pizza, 2324 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-1142. Pizzas of all shapes and sizes–thin, thick, and stuffed starting with single servings to oversized pies for families and parties, are available at Damenzo’s with an extensive selection of toppings. Damenzo’s also serves Italian entrees such as lasagna, ravioli, eggplant parmesan, and sandwiches. Among Damenzo’s generous-sized sandwiches are Italian beef, Italian sausage, and meatball. Catering and carryout are available. Damenzo’s Pizza has an outdoor beer garden. Hours: Sun. through Thurs. 10 a.m. to midnight, Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. to 1 a.m.
DePasada, 1517 W. Taylor St., (312) 243-6441, fax (312) 243-6277. This eatery continues DePasada’s tradition of fine Mexican food made popular at its original location – 1108 N. Ashland Ave. Familyrun, DePasada for more than 20 years has featured burritos, tortas, tostadas, flautas, tacos, and many other delectable selections. All choices are made from family recipes that have been handed down through the generations. DePasada’s flan and tres leches cake (three milk cake) are very popular. DePasada is open for breakfast from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., and offers delivery after 6 p.m. Hours: Sun. through Thurs. 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 10 a.m. to midnight.
Eppel’s Restaurant, 554 W. Roosevelt Rd., (312) 922-2206, fax (312) 596-1202. A 45-year-old breakfast and lunch eatery now under new management, Eppel’s offers its warm hospitality for breakfast and lunch daily, except for major holidays. The restaurant seats 100 people and is located between Jefferson and Clinton Streets, in the strip mall across from Best Buy. Eppel’s is wellknown for its down-home atmosphere and hearty breakfast specials with choices of eggs, meats which include ham off the bone, grits, waffles and wings, and homemade biscuits with gravy. Lunch specials range from braised short ribs, oxtails, hearty meatloaf, and homemade fried chicken and fried catfish. Eppel’s offers a large selection of sandwiches including Panini. All sandwiches are served with French fries and homemade soup. Full service carryout is available. Hours: Daily from 4:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., except major holidays.
Kathy De’s Grocer & Deli, 3642 S. Parnell Ave., (773) 373-2688. Kathy De’s Grocer & Deli — a family-owned and operated store and outdoor café — has reopened after a six-month hiatus. A fire destroyed the store after having been open only ten months. Since its return, there have been a lot of new items — all homemade and at reasonable prices — added to its menu, including char-grilled foods. Kathy De’s is best known perhaps for its vast array of 12-inch submarine sandwiches and soups, but Kathy De’s also serves breaded steak, and an extensive selection of salads from garden to antipasto and grilled chicken. Also offered at Kathy De’s are entrees such as ravioli and mostaccioli, and meatball sandwiches and beef sandwiches. There are many desserts to choose from as well as a coffee bar. Kathy De’s outdoor café seats 16 persons. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 5:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Look for longer summer hours.
Palace Grill, 1408 W. Madison St., (312) 226-9529, fax (312) 226-0633. A West Loop fixture since 1938, Palace Grill is open for breakfast starting at 5 a.m. everyday except Sun., when breakfast starts at 7 a.m. Owner George Lemperis — like his father before him — serves everything from bacon and eggs to pancakes and omelets and hash browns. For lunch, Palace Grill offers hearty homemade soups including split pea, minestrone, and Boston clam chowder. Lighter fare includes fresh spring mix salad, or Cobb or Greek salads. The Palace Grill burger is a half-pound of freshly-ground beef served on Greek bread. Other sandwiches include roast beef, turkey clubs, and hot meatloaf that is served with real mashed potatoes. There also are daily specials. Beer and wine are available. Catering also is offered by Palace Grill. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sat. 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sun. 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Perry’s Deli, 719 W. Maxwell St. and 174 N. Franklin St., (312) 372-7557 and (312) 243-1633, www.perrysdeli.com. “The biggest and best sandwiches in Chicago (maybe even the world)” is Perry’s Deli’s motto. Its fame has spread far and wide, having been featured on the Rachel Ray Show, the Chicago Sun-Times, the Chicago Tribune, as WLS-TV’s official delicatessen, and having won #1 Cheap Eats in Chicago, #2 Best Sandwich, and #3 Best Lunch Spot, all awarded by City Search, Chicago. Perry’s Deli’s menu is as big as its sandwiches: several hearty salads, homemade soups daily, chili (Tues. and Thurs.), and triple-decker sandwiches – roast beef, ham, turkey, corned beef, tuna salad, salami, and more. Both the triple-decker and other sandwiches come on a choice of bread with a pickle, and either coleslaw, macaroni salad, or potato salad. Sandwiches range from roast beef to pastrami and salami, and tuna to triple cheese selections. Homemade desserts include triplefudge brownies, old-fashioned malts and shakes, homemade cookies, and fruit cup. Eat-in, carryout, and delivery are available. Hours: Maxwell St. location, Mon. through Sat. 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the Franklin St. location, Mon. through Fri. 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Salerno’s Restaurant, 1201 W. Grand Ave., (312) 666-3444. This restaurant, with five locations including Michael Salerno’s in Glenview, offers a near limitless menu of southern Italian specialties. Among its offerings are pizza, a wide selection of pasta dishes, veal, chicken, ribs and sandwiches. Salerno’s also provides take-out including homemade pasta sauce. Its homemade desserts feature, but are not limited to, homemade gelato, tiramisu, and cannoli. Salerno’s is available for private parties and has free valet parking. Hours: Mon. through Sat. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sun., noon to 10 p.m.
Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar, 1312 E. 53rd St., (773) 324-3700, fax (773) 324-3710. With two kitchens, the Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar — BYOB — offers a complete menu starting with appetizers, soups, and salads. Its sushi selections include maki/rolls, house maki, nigiri, and sashimi. Steak, chicken pesto, and Mediterranean caprese are some of the sandwich selections. Its pizza — individual size — is authentically thin. In addition to Italian sodas and traditional beverages, Sit Down Café & Sushi Bar offers organic infusion drinks and fresh fruit smoothies. Hours: Sun. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.; Fri. and Sat. 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.
Sweet Maple Café, 1339 W. Taylor St., (312) 243-8908. A 1940s style eatery, Sweet Maple Café offers breakfast and lunch during the week, and brunch specials on the weekends. Sweet Maple uses deliciously creative recipes for pancakes and French toast, homemade biscuits, muffins, and egg dishes, among other selections. Lunch fare includes homemade soups and sandwiches such as turkey with homemade potato chips. Weekend brunch items include salmon cakes and fried pork chops. Hours: 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily.
Tapas Valencia, 1530 S. State St., (312) 842-4444, info@mesonsabika.com, www.tapasvalencia.com. Tapas Valencia was named the No. 1 Spanish restaurant by Chicagoland Zagat in 2008-2009 and received a two stars (“very good”) rating by Pat Bruno of the Chicago Sun-Times. Tapas Valencia features a modern, high energy aesthetic atmosphere, Tapas Valencia’s décor includes mosaic walls in the style of Joan Miro. The menu, authentically from Spain, includes an extensive assortment of hot and cold tapas including vegetarian, veal, beef, chicken, fish, and seafood. Tapas Valencia’s paella also features vegetarian, fish, and seafood as well as chicken and shellfish choices. Desserts at Tapas Valencia are not to be missed—flan of the day and bittersweet chocolate terrine are only two of a distinct variety. Hours: Mon. through Thurs. 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fri. 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Sat. 5 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sun. brunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 to 9 p.m.
Taylor Made Pizza, 1220 W. Taylor St., (312) 850-2000, fax (312) 850-2002. Taylor Made Pizza specializes in stuffed dish and thin crust pizzas with a vast selection of toppings. Taylor Made’s specialty is a stuffed pizza filled with spinach and mushrooms. In addition to pizzas, Taylor Made features sandwiches, appetizers, and desserts including cannoli. There is an eat-in area for 20 persons. Carryout and delivery also are available. Hours: Sun. noon to 11 p.m., Mon. through Thurs. 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., and Sat. 11 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Viaggio Ristorante & Lounge, 1330 W. Madison St. (312) 829-3333, www.viaggiochicago.com. This ristorante takes its guests on a voyage (or “viaggio” in Italian) to the southern region of Italy while incorporating the familiarity of American dining. Executive chef Anthony Risoli opened this new Italian-American restaurant that stresses fresh ingredients. “I am pleased to share my Italian cooking style with Chicago,” Risoli stated. Inspired by his Italian mother and grandmother and more than 30 years’ experience in Italian restaurants, Risoli brings very specific requirements for his food and cooking methods. Making everything to order, Risoli concentrates on perfecting each dish. Joining Risoli in the kitchen is sous chef Chris Blaser. Appetizers eggplant stack, fried calamari, and shrimp Dakota. Pasta, veal, chicken, steaks, and chops, as well as fish selections, are some of the entree choices. Valet parking is available. Hours: Tues. through Thurs. 5 to 11 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 5 p.m. to 1 a.m., and Sun. 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
TREATS
Edible Arrangements, 1212 W. Taylor St., (312) 421-5440, fax (312) 421-5441, www.ediblearrangements.com. Fruits designed into bouquets and baskets to resemble table centerpieces are featured at Edible Arrangements. Tropical fruits as well as homegrown selections are available along with dipped fruits in boxes, including gourmet chocolate-dipped bananas, dipped apple wedges, and dipped orange segments and strawberries. Fudge selections, Mylar balloons, and plush bears also are featured as “accessories” for an extra touch. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sat. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Maui Wowi Hawaiian, 850 W. Jackson Blvd., (312) 738-3610, fax (312) 738-3611. Hawaiian coffees, smoothies, baked goods including muffins and bagels, as well as a limited assortment of juices are among the offerings at Maui Wowi for sit-down, carry-out, and limited delivery enjoyment. Fresh soups are available Monday through Friday. Retail sale items include bagged Hawaiian coffees, boxed teas, and Hawaiian snacks. A conference room is available for small group meetings and the store can be reserved for private parties or themed events. Maui Wowi also caters corporate and private parties and provides a portable Tiki hut. Hours: Mon. through Fri. 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Closed Sat. and Sun.
Mother Butter’s Popcorn and Confectionary, 17 W. 35th St., (773) 548-POPP (7677), www.motherbutterspopcorn.com. Mother Butter’s Popcorn and Confectionary is a store that serves up a variety of gourmet popcorn and other goodies with a Bayou twist. Bananas Foster, Cajun cheddar, and cinnamon caramel are just a few of the top choices for gourmet popcorn from Mother Butter’s. Tim Donnelly and Jennifer Carey Donnelly opened up Mother Butter’s earlier this year. The husband-and-wife team experimented in their kitchen with different recipes for popcorn, and decided that it would be great experience to share these along with a fun atmosphere including Zydeco and blues in the background, as well as a variety of art. An online shopping cart has been added to Mother Butter’s website. Mother Butter’s also does special events and provides corporate gifts. Hours: Mon. through Sat. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., and on Sundays when the White Sox are in town, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
