I can’t say anything bad about Antique Taco. I’m in love with the place – the decor, food, everything about it makes me content. The food is delicious, honest, and simple. I haven’t gotten to the cheese curds just yet, but they are on my bucket list. They also have Half Acre beer, yielding oh so many points in my book!
Author Archives: Small Lady
La Columbe and Glazed & Infused
La Columbe and Glazed & Infused, right across the street from one another in Wicker Park! This was fantastic news to me! If you haven’t been to either, go now! La Columbe is a must for coffee and if you’re a doughnut lover, you cannot go wrong with Glazed & Infused. What’s in the bag? A Maple Bacon Long John.
Coppervine
Coppervine saved my Valentine’s Day this year! Though our table’s location (heavily trafficked) and size (tiny) was not ideal, at least we were able to get a reservation (Grass Fed decided to close with only a few days notice to make a new reservation and I’m still mad). I was intrigued by the drink pairings offered on the fixed v-day menu (beer, wine, and cocktail) and ready to get out of the frigid February temps of Chicago.
The meal was decent. I felt they stretched themselves thin, serving too many options and not mastering any of them. The cheese plate would be my top pick of the dinner. I would go back for the regular menu, their playfulness in pairing is exciting and unique, certainly cause for a return trip.
The Gage
house crafted sausages
The Gage is conveniently located across from Millennium Park. The 300 seat restaurant feels like a cross between an old school steakhouse and an Irish pub. Portions here are generous (I couldn’t take the sausage plate down) and the beet plate is better than expected.
salt roasted beets
SmallBar – Division
What better way to begin a trip to Chicago than with fried cheese curds from a bar that shares my name? SmallBar is empty on a Thursday afternoon; a welcome contrast to a full aircraft of screaming children.
Rundown:
- Beer list is excellent
- Curds are okay
- Burger – fine, not spectacular
Strip T’s
My second visit, this time for lunch. Strip T’s is bustling on a Saturday afternoon and there’s a short wait for a table which gives me time to contemplate my order.
Duck Wings (Special for the day) – I was more enamored with the peanut sauce than the wings
Gravy Fries – not a fan of the type of cheese on these (some kind of sharp Italian), great fries though!
Japanese Eggplant Banh Mi – filling was overwhelmed by the bread and the eggplant by itself was too salty from all the soy sauce
Apricot biscuits from the Boston Globe
Apricot biscuits from the Boston Globe with two modifications; reduce the sugar to a 1/4 cup and add some chopped dried apricots to the filling.
Highball Lounge
A solid place to grab a drink and play a board game (Wednesday through Saturday, that is). Hotel bars aren’t my usual destination, but the Highball Lounge is spacious, relaxed, and unpretentious. Bar snacks are there for noshing, but not noteworthy.
Commonwealth
On my first trip to Commonwealth, I was underwhelmed with my cocktail and the service. However, being that it was only a day or two after the opening and I didn’t even try the food, back I went for brunch. I’m happy to report that the food is good. Unfortunately, the service still needs perfecting.
Beignets – The first set came out and one beignet was missing the filling, but with the filling, excellent!
The Dirty Jersey – basic, but tasty
Hash & Eggs – Pastrami hash, yum!!
Pennypacker’s – Brick and Mortar
Lovely to have another dining option in Magoun Square! I had been hearing fantastic things about the porchetta sandwich from Pennypacker’s and for good reason, it’s delicious! This time I went with the onions agrodolce, but next time I’ll try it with pickled peppers.