Storefront City Chicago

Archive for the category “Nightlife”

28 Mar 2013

Crossroads Public House

WHAT: Crossroads Public House
WHERE: 2630 N. Clark St.

OUR RATING: Skip It!

Storefront City felt in the mood for a bar night, so we tried out Crossroads Public house in Lincoln Park, right next door to the famed Weiner Circle. What drew us to Crossroads was our attempt to get as much beer for as little money as possible, with some fun ambiance that didn’t get too ridiculously crazy and obnoxious. Were we successful?

Alicia: Eek. This place is somewhat enticing from the outside in terms of publicizing their nightly specials, with posters advertising a bunch of deals on the windows, and with a standing poster in the middle of the sidewalk listing their daily offerings. And some of them sound like really good deals too, like $2 burger nights on Thursdays, $1 well drinks on certain nights, and the like. But we could tell just from the loud Top 40’s music blasting from within and the sloppy drunks on the dance floor that this probably wasn’t our kind of place.

The bar is relatively large, and comes with nearly a dozen large plasma TVs (obviously playing sports), a dart machine, jukebox, Foosball and what we guessed was a dance floor. One side of the place was pretty populated by a bunch of drunk fraternity-esque guys in their late 20’s, and the other part of the bar was ultimately empty. And it was all sticky, smelly and relatively dirty. We weren’t very hungry, which was good, as I probably wouldn’t have felt safe or clean ordering food their anyways (their menu consists of your typical burgers, salads and pizza), so we just stuck to having a drink or two.

Adam: Crossroads is basically a local dive bar with really cheap beer. On Tuesdays and Saturdays, their house ale, CPH (wow! that’s a creative name) is $6 for a pitcher, and that’s exactly what we ordered. CPH is really not a good beer. Watery and weak, I practically felt like I was drinking a Miller High Life knockoff. But, then again, it’s the cheapest beer you’ll get anywhere in Lincoln Park, so if you need to have a pint and you’re skint, this is the place to be. If you can put up with the service, that is, who are practically non-existent and take eons to prepare your order (literally, you just open the tap and fill the pitcher. It’s not like you need to mash the barley).

cr4My final comment will be this: if another place calls itself an Irish pub, when it is neither Irish nor a pub, I will call out your manager and make him answer for his crimes. A pub is a public house, derived from an inn, which should be traditionally adorned in Medieval or Tudor style and encourage community values and conviviality (for an example, check out my old haunt at The Harrow Inn). Additionally, for it to be Irish, it must at least something pertaining to Irish culture upon its walls: put whiskey bottles along the back of your bar, put some copies of James Joyce out, display a replica of the Book of Kells, or at least put some Bono on. Good gracious! It’s not that difficult to embrace a highly hospitable culture, is it?

Final Thoughts: If you’ve already had a few drinks and absolutely need a place to act drunk and stupid and consume a few more cheap beers, go ahead and go here, but otherwise we suggest you skip it and save yourself the two or three showers you’ll need to clean this place off of you. It’s definitely worth a few more pennies to go elsewhere.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
08 Mar 2013

V Live

WHAT: V Live (Club)
WHERE: 2047 N. Milwaukee Ave.

OUR RATING: Do It! (If text to get in free)

This is a hot new venue in Logan Square was voted Chicago’s best new club by Metromix in 2009 (so we guess it isn’t new anymore, but oh well). A huge space (over 30,000 square feet) spread over three levels, each a unique locale, V Live has a little bit for everyone. After entering the long corridor, decorated with plasma screens, and up a flight or two of stairs, you enter the main dance area, for about 950-people and with a 200 person VIP lounge. Adjacent (a different space) is V Lounge and the VIP lofts, although we didn’t frequent these this time.

(vlivechicago.com)

(vlivechicago.com)

Adam: V Live is a great venue, with a huge dance floor, nice seating areas and a wide variety of drinks. With the DJ elevated upon a dais at the far end of the dance floor and two bars running along the left and back walls, the space is all encompassing and electric, with great beats pumping out of massive speakers.

Interestingly, this crowd isn’t that sleazy, which is nice to find in a club these days. Well dressed and guarded by ample security, you don’t feel unsafe here, which is nice considering the location. In terms of drinks, I tried a rum and coke, which was alright, but nothing special. I think you’re most likely there to experience the space, not the drinks.

(vlivechicago.com)

(vlivechicago.com)

Alicia: First of all, let me reiterate how huge this place is. This isn’t the hole-in-the-wall disaster that Max Bar is, that’s for sure. I’ve read that acts like Nadia Ali have performed here and I’m not surprised. It’d be the perfect space to host popular DJs and other performers. Yet when they aren’t hosting some big name, be sure to expect a random array of music, anywhere from club music to Top 40 to salsa…one right after the other. Kind of odd, honestly.

Yet, I would totally go back for the atmosphere of the place, especially their dozens of funky lights on the ceilings that look like rotating solar systems of fiber optic lights. Really awesome. Add to that the huge music-video screens behind the stage, other moving lights, and the swankiness of their seating areas, and you’ve got a really unique space.

(vlivechicago.com)

(vlivechicago.com)

Final Thoughts: V Live always has deals going on, so check the website and Do312 for text in deals that get you free entrance (and sometimes even a free drink or two). If you have to pay the $20 cover fee, don’t bother going, but as a free evening, it’s very nice and we would love to go back and stay later when the dance floor is sure to be full.

Posted in Do It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
26 Feb 2013

The Grid

WHAT: The Grid (Bar)
WHERE: 351 W. Hubbard St.

OUR RATING: Skip It!

The Grid – a strange bar with a strange name in a strange part of town. Unusually, we would jump at such supposed exoticism. In this case, we can think of nowhere more undeserving of your time and money that this ridiculously confused, rude and rotten little space in River North that dares to call itself a venue of “class and comfort”. As connoisseurs of both the aforementioned virtues, we can categorically say that The Grid lacks them in abundance, and we would be pleased to see the whole place shunned by our readers for inflicting itself upon your beloved authors.

Adam: As a critic, one must keep an open mind about a venue, trying not to judge it too harshly and thinking empathetically about the time and effort the proprietors put into providing your experience, thus mitigating your vitriol to a more acceptable level. I shall not be doing that here as The Grid doesn’t deserve such unabashed charity. In fact, I will be dissecting this establishment piece by piece in order to illuminate for you the most lurid details that will serve to shock and disgust.

(thegridchicago.com)

(thegridchicago.com)

We attended The Grid as invitees for their customer appreciation day Gratitude Party. Off the bat it looked like a great idea, but when you subject your guests to something for which they are wholly ungrateful, one cannot help but laugh at the complete ignorance of the event planners. To start, doors were supposed to open sharply at 2pm. It being brisk as a witch’s teat outside, I was eager to get in and warm up a little. Of course, we waited, and waited and waited…only to be granted access at the intolerably late hour of 2:30! Rule of thumb: if you invite the press to an event, don’t make them bloody cold outside.

The fiasco that followed is best related to you by my co-author, and you can look forward to it below, but I will touch further here on some other problems we encountered. The venue itself is boring. Small, cramped and dark, it serves little purpose and reminds one of the basement of a rather ordinary home, done up to look posh. With one bar and a few alcoves, the imagination is not fired (despite numerous vent-less fireplaces), and you immediately get a feeling of foreboding that you have entered at all.

(thegridchicago.com)

(thegridchicago.com)

On the upshot, the drinks do sound fascinating, but tend to be extremely sweet and non-alcoholic. It’s obvious that this establishment is trying to sell me a piece of coal as a diamond: what an utterly useless business strategy. Similarly, the food is sterile at best, even when served in jars that are supposed to make you coo with joy, and yet contain what might be WWI trench rations.

Alicia: Having worked in a variety of customer-centric companies in my life, I have a very strong opinion on what customer service should be and believe that there are enough businesses around and so many people in need of work that only the most fit and customer-friendly should survive in this economy. In this case, The Grid and its employees have no business being patronized for their complete lack of customer service.

(thegridchicago.com)

(thegridchicago.com)

Basically, they completely trampled all over the meaning of customer appreciation. After making us wait outside in the bitter cold, when we were finally invited in there were only two or three tables open for dozens of guests to use – all of the booths were reserved for who knows who. And right after taking a seat and shedding our warm gear, we were told that there was a mandatory $2 coat check, and that all we were getting as part of ‘gratitude day’ was no cover, and that all drinks and food were normal prices, etc.

(thegridchicago.com)

(thegridchicago.com)

First of all…what would we be paying cover for? Nothing! Okay, so I was getting into a restaurant/bar with no live music or drink/food deals at 2pm on a Saturday…wow, really grateful for THAT. Then, to have the gall while I am still getting settled to tell me coat check was mandatory (and not saying that upfront in advance, or at the door) and that absolutely nothing was provided for customers on appreciation day? Yeah, they were really grateful I was there, I’m sure.

Final thoughts: Boring, horrid and unbelievably and awfully dull, with no appreciation for its customers, The Grid can remain off your grid forever and for all eternity. Skip, tell your friends to skip it, and let’s make sure they never darken another afternoon again!

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Eat It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,
25 Feb 2013

Headquarters Beercade

WHAT: Headquarters Beercade
WHERE: 950 W. Wolfram St.

OUR RATING: Do It!

The beer-cade. If you were a kid growing up in the 80s or 90s and you haven’t gotten in on this concept yet, you’re A) Behind the Game; and B) probably going to sh*t yourself.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

Headquarters Beercade, located in Lakeview, offers 37 vintage arcade games and craft beers. Chicago is home to another older beercade, Emporium, in Wicker Park, but now the North Side has realized how necessary this concept is for using the millennial generation’s nostalgia to profit their businesses. Headquarters is not your average Lakeview bar, nor does it cater to the usual North Side/Wrigleyville-esque crowd.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

Alicia: To be perfectly honest, the closest I came to playing in an actual arcade was when I went to the Enchanted Castle or Discovery Zone, where I much more enjoyed playing redemption games like Skee Ball rather than video games, partly for the physical actions required, and mostly for the tickets.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

But that doesn’t mean that I haven’t played arcade games before, even if my memories of Dig Dug are associated with my first real PC, or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles reminds me of my Super Nintendo set (which, by the way, I still play when I go home). Each of these games, however, is available arcade-style at Headquarters, and I was more than happy to play both – for free! Not to mention Pinball…the mere action of manipulating the spring launcher was enough to bring back a whirlwind of fun memories.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

I really enjoyed Headquarters, with my two major loves being their amazing original artwork all over the place and the FREE game playing. While I completely didn’t understand why sports were playing on their televisions (yes, I understand they’re trying to hit all demographics, but this didn’t seem to fit at ALL branding wise), I’ve heard that when there’s nothing big going on in the sports world they actually do air old episodes of shows like Double Dare and the like. I don’t know…I really think they should be airing Legends of the Hidden Temple. Then they’d have me hooked for life.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

Adam: In actual fact, I haven’t really frequented that many arcades, nor do I think I would have wanted to when I was younger. Similar to Alicia, I too have fond memories of playing arcade-type games on the old Windows 95 or Nintendo, but having rarely physically visited an arcade myself, Headquarters was a bit like a blast from someone else’s past. Not that this mattered: the games are myriad and absolutely fun, while the atmosphere is laid-back, with friendly doormen and patrons alike.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

I got a chance to play (and complete) their Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game, located on the slightly raised upper level towards the front window. This is a four person game, so great to play with friends and, since it’s free, it doesn’t matter how many times you’re KOed. Other games on offer seemed extremely interesting and I’d love to return to play some more! In terms of the bar, I was slightly less impressed on this front. Somewhere between a craft beer spot and a regular joint, beers start at $6 for (supposedly) craft varieties, even though their craftiness is questionable. I would perhaps get the beer flight in future, but there’s no need to blow money on the bottles.

(hqbeercade.com)

(hqbeercade.com)

Final thoughts: A great group hangout spot, with many games available for multiple players simultaneously. On Tuesdays you can build your own flight of 5 craft beer tastings for $11, and on those days there are even Sitcom wars where they show two different sitcom episodes. Headquarters offers a sweet variety of arcade games to fill your need, whether you are a pinball fiend, a racer, a sports fan, or just want to play table space invaders with a beer in hand. A great place to bring out and really celebrate the kid inside of you, who’s just been waiting to pounce.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
20 Feb 2013

Park Tavern

WHAT: Park Tavern (Contemporary American)
WHERE: 1645 W. Jackson Blvd.

OUR RATING: Chance It! (Only if you’re nearby)

(parktavernchicago.com)

(parktavernchicago.com)

Here’s a new location for you to try. Part of the Park Tavern brand (the same as the Rosemont location), the new Park Tavern in the West Loop is in a rather odd location, that seems solely designed to serve the nearby United Center. A multilevel event space, Park Tavern invited us to their launch party to experience their space, food and libations.

(parktavernchicago.com)

(parktavernchicago.com)

Park Tavern is housed in a huge, modern warehouse space that captures a certain stark beauty, with at least 3 bars (along with several, small drink stations) and plush, comfy chairs. Touted as a craft beer location with semi-gastropub credentials, we were hoping to be able to sample their selection. Unfortunately, craft beers were not on offer when we visited and we had to suffice with cocktails, wine and Corona. However, the food selection was truly staggering and mouth-watering.

(parktavernchicago.com)

(parktavernchicago.com)

Adam: To be honest, my first impression of Park Tavern was not positive. The valet staff were extremely impolite to me while I was waiting for the opening, so much so that I had to stand firm and express my dismay at their behavior to them. Nevertheless, when I arrived within the space I was pleasantly surprised by the massive open-plan and wood-and-brick interior that spoke to my minimalist aesthetic.

After proceeding to the upstairs lounge, I imbibed a delicate hibiscus and vodka cocktail, the likes of which I have not encountered. While I have sampled the Upper Egyptian karkadé (hibiscus tea), the addition of alcohol to this had not crossed my mind, and the result was a pleasantly aromatic cordial.

The food was wholesome and hearty, with my personal favourites being the extremely tender buffalo chicken (sauce incorporated into batter, thus avoiding rub-off) and a rich and gamey mini-slider, which was cooked within an inch of medium.

(parktavernchicago.com)

(parktavernchicago.com)

Alicia: If you know or have been to a Restaurants America location before (of which Park Tavern is a part), it’ll help to know that this place is pretty much the same in every respect. Classic American food on the brink of gastropub-ness with an upscale casual feel.

It’s definitely a destination rather than a neighborhood place, which makes it a convenient pre/post United Center show event, but that’s about all. The tastings we were invited to were not very veggie/healthy friendly, with a big emphasis on pork, chicken tenders and sliders, but the salads on their menu sound legitimate enough, and I would definitely order their Asian turkey burger with sriracha aioli if I ever found myself around there again.

(parktavernchicago.com)

(parktavernchicago.com)

Final Thoughts: Park Tavern has an impressive interior, extremely polite wait staff, and a good, solid selection of American favourites, served in a gourmet fashion. However, due to its out-of-the-way location and developing nature, we think that this is one location not worth a special trip, but perhaps would fit well into an outing to the area, perhaps for a happy hour special before the big game. We hope to come back to Park Tavern when it is more established and see how they are doing.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Eat It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
15 Feb 2013

Hard Rock Cafe

WHAT: Hard Rock Cafe (Traditional American)
WHERE: 63 W. Ontario St.

OUR RATING: Chance It!

(hardrock.com)

(hardrock.com)

The Hard Rock brand is legendary and iconic. In practically every city in America, there’s a Hard Rock something, and Chicago has both a cafe AND a hotel, so it must be a pretty rockin’ city. If you’ve been living under a (hard) rock for the last 40 odd years, Hard Rock Cafe was founded back in 1971 in London. With walls plastered in rock n’ roll memorabilia, it’s a bit like dining with the stars (or at least in a celebrity bedroom while the owner is away).

Storefront City doesn’t usually go for tourist traps. In fact, we tend to vehemently eschew them. However, we were invited to the Hard Rock Cafe to try some appetizers and drinks, and couldn’t pass up the opportunity. So, put on your tourists’ caps Chicago, here we go!:

Adam: Striking and outrageous pop-decadence is the best way to describe Hard Rock Cafe. Here, a guitar used by Eric Clapton, over there a Braille manuscript from a Pepsi ad used by the one and only Ray Charles. The list of musical artefacts is endless and so it’s definitely a great place to bring any serious music fan or even just the casual listener.

(hardrock.com)

(hardrock.com)

But, we were here to try the food and sip the drinks, so I’ll start there. Hard Rock Cafe has two bars: one on the main level and one on the balcony overlooking the ballroom. I tried drinks from each and was impressed. To get a good idea of the variety to be had (they have an array of beers on tap, including Guinness and Shock Top, as well as the standard wines etc.) I tried a couple of different cocktails. The gin and tonic, prepared with Schweppes Tonic Water and Beefeater Gin, was actually of rather disproportionate ratios. I know it’s very hard to mix a G+T on the fly, but please never add as more gin than tonic. It’s just weird. That being said, it was Beefeater’s, so it can’t have been that bad. Later in the night, I wanted something a little different to test their bartending skills, so I initially set out to order a mojito, only to find that it wasn’t on the menu that night. So, trepidatiously, a cosmopolitan was ordered, just to see if they could get it right. And, lo and behold, they succeeded! Apparently, one can fail at the easy and succeed at the more difficult.

(hardrock.com)

(hardrock.com)

And then it was onto the food. Tupelo Chicken Tenders were first on the menu. Not necessarily my idea of good food, but they were actually pretty darn tasty. Served with a honey-mustard dressing, they could easily sate the appetite of most hungry of gentlemen. Next, it was onto the two pizzas – the margherita and the portobello and caramelized onion. My preference was with the portobello, as the cheese combination of mozzarella, parmesan and romano was a fantastic compliment to the sweetness of the onions. The margherita was pretty standard fare, with the nice addition of caramelized garlic to kick it off.

My last dish was of Sante Fe Spring Rolls. Stuffed with spinach, black beans, cilantro, corn, jalapenos, diced red peppers and Jack cheese and served with Chipotle Ranch dressing, Southwest America meets East Asia was actually a highly successful affair, and I would definitely try this again.

Alicia: Before you walk through the doors of the Hard Rock Cafe you know it’s corporate and touristy, and thus you’re probably paying a bit more than you should for what you get. I get the same feeling when I walk in there as when I walk into the Rainforest Cafe right down the street, or any of those other big restaurants in the North Loop. But that’s okay. I was prepared.

(hardrock.com)

(hardrock.com)

In all honesty, for such a touristy spot, the Hard Rock Cafe actually has pretty fair prices and a good selection of your classic Chicago American cafe food. I enjoyed some fresh and classic ceviche along with one of the better-prepared white wine spritzers I have had in the city. But you don’t really go there for the food. You go there for the ambience and the live music – that’s what the places sells itself on. So if you have some friends in town, order some drinks (perhaps even something with their Fireball cinnamon whiskey, a first for me – but perhaps too sweet), and enjoy some live entertainment.

(hardrock.com)

(hardrock.com)

Final Thoughts: If you’re from Chicago, you don’t have to make a pit stop here, but if you’re ever invited to an event or want to host one for your company, this is a very expansive and well-thought out space, with a very Chicago feel that will be inviting to tourists and Chicagoans alike. If you don’t get a chance to walk through the doors don’t fret – you can check out their website to get a 360 degree view.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Eat It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
13 Feb 2013

Public House Chicago

WHAT: Public House Chicago (Sports Bar / Contemporary American)
WHERE: 400 N. State St.

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(publichousechicago.com)

(publichousechicago.com)

You can’t go too much more American than at Public House Chicago, where contemporary American cuisine mashes with the flavors of a smokehouse and plenty of beer. Brought to you by the same folks who run sister bar Bull and Bear, not only do they have 25 beers on tap, but they include beer in many of their dishes and even some of their sauces, and it’s no surprise their small claim to fame is their beer tasting and pairing menu.

Quite honestly, this place is very much your average Near North Side sports bar, attempting to match the trendiness of the area with higher priced semi-gastropub food.

(publichousechicago.com)

(publichousechicago.com)

That’s not to say that Executive Chef David Blonsky’s food doesn’t taste fantastic. We tried two of his flatbreads at a special event there, the Wild Mushroom (goat cheese, caramelized onion, fresh spinach, white truffle) and the Mediterranean (lamb merguez sausage, roasted garlic hummus, roasted cherry tomatoes, la clare farm evalon cheese, shaved red onion, house made tzatziki). Their decadence was all too apparent from the above ingredients, but we don’t feel they are anything special, and dressing standard food in fancy flavors doesn’t equal good food automatically.

(publichousechicago.com)

(publichousechicago.com)

$16 for a relatively petite flatbread is kind of high anyway, and the staff here aren’t the friendliest. The female bartender was ambivalent, and when we asked the male bartender what company produced the wine, he hesitatingly told us, shrugged, and then stated, “I don’t really know, don’t care.” Hmm.

(publichousechicago.com)

(publichousechicago.com)

Their draft beer selection is quite admirable, however, and although they only have a single white and red wine available, La Terre is definitely a good call. Although we didn’t take a seat at one of their booths, we noticed that they had two beer taps and one customizable liquor tap at each of them, which is definitely fun when going with a small group of friends (we’ve seen this design elsewhere and it seems to be the “in” thing right now). The most unique feature of the place is their “Walltender,” taps inside little alcoves in the wall where you swipe your credit card and pour yourself another draft. These guys don’t cut you off.

The crowd here is definitely an after-work crowd, so if you’re in the area it might not be the worst place to drop in with a few of your co-workers.

But ultimately Public House Chicago is just average, and although they add pieces of character here and there and try to make their food sound special with the beer additives, there’s plenty of places in the area to patronize after you’re finished with the upscale pretense with its confused hustle and bustle.

(publichousechicago.com)

(publichousechicago.com)

As for the decor, it seemed a bit, well, all over the place. While most walls are decorated in a semi-rustic style, the wall at the far side of one room was a confused mess of cream and tan with random pictures frames scattered across it. Such a work would be more at home at the MCA, and even then it would be one of the more annoying pieces.

That being said, it does make for a nice, central location for a party or fundraiser, but, in all other respects, Public House Chicago is too normal to waste your time with it. Try a more eclectic locale in the future.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
08 Feb 2013

Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club

WHAT: Kit Kat Lounge and Supper Club
WHERE: 3700 N. Halsted St.

OUR RATING: Do It!

(kitkatchicago.com)

(kitkatchicago.com)

“Life is a cabaret, old chum” and that’s exactly the feeling one gets when stepping inside this exclusive, classic and campy “supper” club. With a themed menu featuring the likes of the Mae West (Southern style fried chicken) and Joan Collins (stuffed portobello mushroom) and a liquor cabinet stocked with over 100 martinis (crazy things!), you can’t really go wrong here. And the food isn’t all that’s cooking…

(kitkatchicago.com)

(kitkatchicago.com)

They also have projections of everything from black and white movies to (on some nights) Lady Gaga music videos – a plethora of themed-entertainment that changes on a nightly basis. And what Boystown event wouldn’t be complete with a few female impersonators? All in all, you get a completely fun filled and interactive experience unlike anywhere else in the city.

Lady Gaga Martini (cheekychicago.com)

Lady Gaga Martini (cheekychicago.com)

Adam: Storefront City has been wanting to try out Lakeview’s Kit Kat for a long time now, but due to the preposterously long lines on weekends, we had let it drop off our radar until we were invited to join the club to celebrate their 12 year anniversary by trying their new Gaga Martinis, based on the Lady herself, Hpnotiq and Pama. I wanted to try the Lady Gaga martini, for the singular reason that it included a glow stick. In fact, it turns out that you can ask for any of them with a glow stick, but we didn’t know that when we started. A sort of crazy combination of effen white, Hpnotiq liqueur, pineapple juice, triple sec, a glow stick and some rock candy. Actually, the drink wasn’t ridiculously sweet and was happily complemented by the candy. Never thought that combo would work–proven wrong every day!

(cheekychicago.com)

(cheekychicago.com)

We also tried an appetizer of their chicken satay, marinated in curry coconut and served with a peanut sauce. I’ve had a lot of satay, and this was alright, but I wouldn’t get it there again.

What really made the night was the fun of the place: flashing lights, upbeat music, nice people and an opportunity to see Gaga herself. Well, not really, but the impersonator did a pretty damn good job of it, and drew in the audience in an entertaining and fun way.

Gaga! (cheekychicago.com)

Gaga! (cheekychicago.com)

Alicia: I had such a blast at Kit Kat. I knew I would as soon as I saw that some of the martinis of the night were garnished with rock candy. Wait, and some of the martinis had flashing glow rings in them too? Gaga, divas, a super chic lounge, dessert martinis…I mean really! It’s no wonder why this is a Bachelorette party paradise.

(kitkatchicago.com)

(kitkatchicago.com)

I ordered the Bad Romance, made with Effen Vodka, Apple Pucker liqueur, melon liqueur and pineapple juice (although, they have changed the components of this drink just recently). MUCH more tasty than the Lady Gaga. When the waiter brought the martini to the table I was super disappointed – no rock candy. But he was more than willing to return with a stick once I requested it. I was much too nostalgic not to indulge in one, and it really did add a unique sweetness to the drink.

Samoan Girl Scout Martini(timeoutchicago.com)

Samoan Girl Scout Martini(timeoutchicago.com)

Kit Kat has a great selection of drinks and food whether you want to go light (relatively skinny martinis and some yummy sounding vegetarian food) or go all out (dessert martinis and fried chicken…do those mix though?). We couldn’t help indulging a little further, so we decided to order their Samoan Girl Scout martini with vodka, coconut rum, crème de cacao, butterscotch liqueur and a dash of coconut cream. What was brought to our table was pure decadence laced with swirls of caramel and chocolate syrup. It sounds evil and delicious and trust us – it was.

My favorite part of the night, however, was by far the ambience laced with the tableside entertainer, who performed two songs every 20 minutes. Gaga had some drop dead looks, dance moves and get-up, and I really couldn’t get enough!

Final thoughts: Fast for a day to prepare for this place, and be ready for all Kit Kat will throw at you. Reservations are required, so we suggest you ‘telephone’ and hop on this bandwagon, especially on a weeknight when they have amazing specials. Kit Kat will be sure to tantalize all your senses and provide a crazy fun night, with some pretty dirty martinis.

P.S. For fun, check out Project LUSH, a Time Out Chicago sponsored ‘blog’ where three guys take on the whole Kit Kat martini menu, and live to tell the tale.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Eat It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
07 Feb 2013

Lucky Strike Lanes

WHAT: Lucky Strike Lanes (Bowling)
WHERE: River East Center (322 E. Illinois St.)

OUR RATING: Skip It!

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

This is a super interesting location that seems to take bowling and make it a high class affair. On the second floor of the AMC River East movie complex, Lucky Strike Lanes boasts 18 lanes, 11 pool tables, a restaurant, bar and wine lounge. It’s darn swanky, and seems to get away with it. So, if you feel like bowling and being in a club at the same time, this place is perfect for you. If you’d prefer a more casual experience, stay away (there is even a dress code).

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

Adam: There are a lot of things I quite like about Lucky Strike – beautiful ambience, glittering lanes, waiters bringing food and drink direct to your group and the feeling that you are privileged to be there. Then again, there is a lot I find less than acceptable – front desk staff tend to be snippy and rude, the drinks are regular and uninteresting, and the food is fare food with no extra frills.

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

The major problem with Lucky Strike is its branding and message. It wants to be a celebrity filled almost L.A.-type experience, going so far as to mention on their website the numerous White Sox and Bears players who come to hang out there.

But, then again, it’s bowling, which I don’t really associate with celebrity or glamour. I was under the impression that bowling was a fun sport, much in the same way that soccer or croquet are quite fun. But, if someone told me that there was an exclusive croquet club, filled with celebrities dying to play and sipping on martinis, would I go? Probably not, because whatever the hell is being recommended is most likely a less than stellar experience (although I might go if it were some type of lawn party and only if Pimms was available).

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

The earliest evidence for bowling is from ancient Egypt, were the game was played as a child’s diversion. And that’s what it is, a diversion. Not a fancy, expensive diversion, just a fun, wholesome and good-old game. That’s what Lucky Strike doesn’t understand and what makes the entire experience so damnably insufferable.

Alicia: I grew up in one of the most bowling-friendly families you can have, with both of my parents in leagues and my mom bowling right up to the day she gave birth to me. My dad even used to work on the lanes at various bowling alleys and I would go right down the lanes with him checking the mechanics and using a level on the lanes….back then, I was his master assistant with a clipboard and carbon-copy paper.

(bowlluckystrike.com)

(bowlluckystrike.com)

Sure, this place is beautiful and swanky and a perfectly ‘fine’ institution with some okay weekly specials, but it just completely muddles what bowling is. It attempts to make it an upscale activity. Sorry, but it’s not, and I’d prefer to wear jeans over a pencil skirt as I stride with my bowling ball, thank you very much. And the food? Very, very poor.

I mean, we didn’t pay for any of it (we won some free games and food and took a few friends), and trust me – unless we win something free here again I probably won’t be coming back. There’s nothing terrible here, but it just completely muddies the sport and pastime of bowling, and is way too overpriced for what it really is. I’ll take some bar food and cheap beer at your average neighborhood bowling alley over this any day. Or those places that offer cosmic bowling with 90’s techno beats. That’s pretty sweet too.

Final Thoughts: Our feeling is: why bother. Go to your local alley, enjoy good food at cheap prices and have a relaxed night with friends. Bowling is supposed to be casual. Why screw up a good thing?

Warning: You must be 21+ to bowl after 8pm daily.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Eat It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
29 Jan 2013

The Burwood Tap

WHAT: The Burwood Tap (Bar)
WHERE: 724 W. Wrightwood Ave.

OUR RATING: Chance It!

(burwoodtap.com)

(burwoodtap.com)

Living only three blocks away from The Burwood Tap means that you would think we would have visited already for a review. Unfortunately, it was only recently that we set foot in this unknown, woodclad pub. We should have got there sooner to give you the full story.

Claiming to be the oldest neighborhood bar in Lincoln Park (founded in 1933), we certainly saw a dedicated crowd and friendly atmosphere. We think we’re going to have to come back a second time to fully appreciate the bar, but here we go–

(burwoodtap.com)

(burwoodtap.com)

Alicia: Give a girl free popcorn, free pool, a cozy aesthetic and some fun, intimate but low key lighting and you have her hooked. I may not be a fan of The Burwood Tap’s top-40 and pretty loud music selection or their numerous sports-on-TV screens, but you surprisingly don’t have to be a sports-loving DePaul frat boy to enjoy this place. Sure, there’s a lot of them here, but when a group of a few dozen current students and alumni from Geek-central University of Chicago can feel at home at this locale neighborhood bar, you can pretty much be anyone to come here. But you’ll definitely have to be in the mood to really try when socializing with others, as the music is pretty darn-loud (but then again, I’ve been to much louder spots in Wrigleyville, by far).

(burwoodtap.com)

(burwoodtap.com)

Adam: The Burwood Tap has a lot of pros: the previously mentioned free pool and popcorn, the friendly staff and a lovely interior. Unfortunately, certain aspects did not sit well with me, though they would have probably been tolerated by others. Drink prices were quite steep ($8 for a (small) Guinness draft) and bar staff, while attentive, took time chatting to patrons while fixing my pint (not a pint, by the way). I like efficient service with minimal time wasted. She was quite lucky I gave her the dollar tip at the end, but I felt that her convivial demeanor probably deserved a token of appreciation.

(burwoodtap.com)

(burwoodtap.com)

Other than this though, I thought this bar was pleasant and classic, and I’m sure that with frequent attendance a good relationship could be built with both patrons and staff. I’d come back for the drink specials and free buffet, but perhaps only order a domestic draft next time.

(burwoodtap.com)

(burwoodtap.com)

Final thoughts: We’ll definitely want to come back here on a Monday-Thursday night for a free buffet, and to check out their acclaimed Wednesday trivia night, but this may not be the best weekend-night out. You might be safer trying out a more well-known location, but the adventurous can experience Lincoln Park at its most authentic at this local little spot.

Posted in Do It!, Drink It!, Nightlife and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Post Navigation

← Older Entries