Fun dinner destinations in Chicago
November 16, 2018 11:22 AM Subscribe
I'll be heading with a friend to Chicago on 12/1 for a concert. I'd like to go someplace fun and unique for dinner before the show. I would rather not spend more than about $100 for the two of us.
My original plan was to hit up the newish Safe House in Chicago (we're both huge fans of the original in Milwaukee), but she recently visited there with a different friend, so it's not new to both of us any more. So I'm looking for alternatives. The food doesn't need to superb, but looking for that kind of unique/kitschy experience. We'll be staying downtown, and will be lyfting around town, but I guess we'd rather not make the trek out to the suburbs if possible. And, since it's in a couple weeks, places that book months in advance aren't a good bet either.
My original plan was to hit up the newish Safe House in Chicago (we're both huge fans of the original in Milwaukee), but she recently visited there with a different friend, so it's not new to both of us any more. So I'm looking for alternatives. The food doesn't need to superb, but looking for that kind of unique/kitschy experience. We'll be staying downtown, and will be lyfting around town, but I guess we'd rather not make the trek out to the suburbs if possible. And, since it's in a couple weeks, places that book months in advance aren't a good bet either.
For sincere kitsch and really good German food, The Berghoff Restaurant is a classic choice. For intentional Kitsch, Eleven City Diner (Jewish deli) or the Little Goat Diner (hipster American new) are worth a shot. For a combination of both kinds of kitsch, the original Billy Goat Tavern is worth considering, though the food is very, very far from superb.
There are also plenty of options in Greek Town that are historical, local, eccentrically decorated, and worth a look. I can't recommend any in particular.
posted by eotvos at 11:56 AM on November 16, 2018 [1 favorite]
There are also plenty of options in Greek Town that are historical, local, eccentrically decorated, and worth a look. I can't recommend any in particular.
posted by eotvos at 11:56 AM on November 16, 2018 [1 favorite]
Little Goat, LITTLE GOAT.
SO GOOD.
posted by cooker girl at 12:46 PM on November 16, 2018 [1 favorite]
SO GOOD.
posted by cooker girl at 12:46 PM on November 16, 2018 [1 favorite]
Kitschy, you say?
Say no more:
Three Dots and a Dash for tiki kitsch
Carnivale for ostentatious Latin kitsch
Paradise Park for Americana kitsch
YMMV on food at each of these, but for sure, they are super kitschy atmospheres.
posted by juniperesque at 1:01 PM on November 16, 2018 [4 favorites]
Say no more:
Three Dots and a Dash for tiki kitsch
Carnivale for ostentatious Latin kitsch
Paradise Park for Americana kitsch
YMMV on food at each of these, but for sure, they are super kitschy atmospheres.
posted by juniperesque at 1:01 PM on November 16, 2018 [4 favorites]
I got juuuust the thing for you. Just look at the Afro on the dude in the middle of the logo!
Kitsch'n on Roscoe!!
posted by indianbadger1 at 1:44 PM on November 16, 2018 [1 favorite]
Kitsch'n on Roscoe!!
posted by indianbadger1 at 1:44 PM on November 16, 2018 [1 favorite]
I am not familar with the other suggestions, but I came in to second Little Goat.
posted by RoadScholar at 1:51 PM on November 16, 2018
posted by RoadScholar at 1:51 PM on November 16, 2018
Monk's, maybe, if faux medieval / college bar vibe (with peanut shells all over the floor) interests you. Food is just okay bar food, but the beer list is excellent.
posted by Bron at 9:24 AM on November 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
posted by Bron at 9:24 AM on November 17, 2018 [1 favorite]
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posted by bigdamnnerd at 11:28 AM on November 16, 2018