Charlie Trotter’s (816 West Armitage Avenue)
Simply put, it didn’t live up to the hype. We went with a big party, and while the service was great, and we’re all glad we did it…it just wasn’t good. Food came out cold, fish overcooked, and unless it’s in cake…I don’t want to see sponge in my food ever again. We also all … Read more
Blackbird (619 West Randolph Street)
Most disappointing expensive meal we’ve ever had! We enjoyed all of two things, our table location and the cheese course. Beyond that, it wasn’t worth the money for the meal. Having just gone to Takashi, where the service was spotty, but the food was delicious, the comparison was easy to make. Takashi was far superior … Read more
Cafe Irazu (1865 Milwaukee Ave.)
We finally got to eat here on May 5th, because thankfully everyone and their Mother was at a Mexican restaurant. I enjoyed every minute of my empanadas, including the one it took me to reheat them the next day. I should have gotten the Costa Rican rice (can’t remember what they called it). I was … Read more
Takashi (1952 N. Damen Ave.)
You go to Takashi for Takashi; his food is amazing, but you don’t go for the service. We went when it first opened and then again just recently, hoping to give it a second chance. Recently, we were seated over an hour after our reservation. Which, was fine because it’s a small place and we … Read more
Caoba Mexican Barr & Grill (1619 N. Damen)
This little restaurant quickly serves good food and drinks. Their menu has a surprisingly large selection of vegetarian options, but plenty of meat dishes to keep the carnivores among your group happy. They also deliver…something I will be keeping in my come this winter. We had a great meal of fish tacos (not my dish) and … Read more
Birchwood Kitchen
Standing in line on two-for-one burger night in this new Bucktown space; the smells are intoxicating. The menu is inventive and refreshing, and the exposed bricks and wide plank floors match its vibe. Starving while in line doesn’t hurt their chances. Considering the distance from our house, I’m guessing they’ll become our new favorite.
Bucktown Soup Cafe (1840 N. Damen)
Lacking in decor and the signs / paintings hung to high, this new fast food soup joint is still pretty good. A little pricey for two soups, mini bottled water and a and a diet coke ($18) – especially considering that we went to the Deli Boutique on Clark and got two fresh made sandwiches, … Read more
Bristol (2152 N. Damen)
This new restaurant is receiving rave reviews, so we thought we’d check it out. It was packed, but they were willing to call when our seat was available. A nice plus! The restaurants interior was typical for the area; exposed brick and ductwork, chalkboard wall, etc. The space is tight, and the two … Read more
Red & White Wines (1861 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
Ok, this isn’t a restaurant, but I had such a great first experience I have to give them a plug. Red & White Wines is, as you guessed it, a wine store on the fringes of Bucktown – just across from Cafe Matou. The space inside is minimalistic, serene, and unpretentious, and the owners are dedicated … Read more
Cafe Matou – 1846 N. Milwaukee Ave.
This was one cat, I didn’t like! Set on the backside of Bucktown, this small French restaurant’s kitschy decor (cat embossed chandeliers) was not worth the money. Other than the stuffed squid/shrimp in a beur blanc sauce (which I didn’t eat) but heard was one of the best sauces tasted, the food left much to … Read more
