Chicago Restaurant Tips by Leniwy

Restaurant Name: Gibson's Steakhouse ; Hugo's Frog Bar

Located along the famous Rush Street restaurant row, these two sister establishments are famous for their unique ambiance as well as the fine dining.

Favorite Dish: Gibson's was 'too' famous to even get into (on this warm August night), but the decor of the Frog Bar: Ceiling fans driven by leather belts (like an old New England factory!), and, of course, the swordfish on the wall. Interesting music, too: a guy banging out a an amazing rendition of Dave Brubeck's "Take Five" on a beaten-up old upright piano that looked like it'd been gutted out of a demolished grade school.

Leave a Comment

Theme: Seafood
Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: (312) 266-8999 (Gibson's)
Address: 1028 North Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611
Directions: corner of Bellevue and Rush
Website: http://www.gibsonssteakhouse.com
Other Contact: http://www.hugosfrogbar.com/

Restaurant Name: SuperDawg!

Chicago is renowned for its staunch committment to 'fast food,' among which is that venerable mainstay, the Hot Dog. Embellished here with countless condiments and toppings, "SuperDawg" is its 'Temple' ;-) It is also one of the few remaining restaurants with 'car hops' - you can park your car next to one of several communication boxes, speak your order, and someone brings it out to you on a tray (I seem to recall that they did so on roller-skates as well). I took this photo during a promotional appearance there by a 'D.J.' (on-air personality) from a Chicago radio station.

www.roadfood.com/Reviews/Review_Writeup.asp?Review_ID=87

Favorite Dish: This may further vilify me among the Chicagoans who might read this (even moreso than my hommage to "Cows on Parade"), but I like their "Whoopercheesie" hamburger, smothered with grilled onions (kind've a giant, gourmet version of the White Castle "Slider" ;-)

Leave a Comment

Theme: Fast Food
Comparison: less expensive than average
Prices: less than US$10  » Currency Converter
Phone: 773-763-0660
Address: 6363 N. Milwaukee Avenue
Directions: on the far Northwest side of Chicago, at the intersection of Natoma, Devon and Milwaukee Avenue.
Website: www.digitalchimney.com/reviews/superdawg/

Restaurant Name: The Berghoff

After over 100 years (and having borne the distinction of receiving the first Chicago liquor licence granted after the repeal of prohibition in 1933), this venerable institution has closed its doors as of February 28, 2006. Many items and memorabilia were featued in an auction held on March 4th (more info from website likn below):
Original review:
After you've had your fill of the native Chicago delicacies (hot dogs, deep-dish pizza, beef sandwiches - with that side order of 'cheezy-fries'), the authenitc German cuisine and atmosphere here offers a quick cure for 'Euro-homesickness.'
They're also famous for their brand of beer of the same name (and we all know how much VT-ers likes their 'suds').

Favorite Dish: This place was among the most frequently listed on the Chicago (downtown area) restaurant pages by VT-ers. A quick web search on "Berghoff + Chicago" lists many reviews, and an online 'guest book' :
http://cgi.scripthost.com/dynamic/guestbook?berghoff

Leave a Comment

Theme: Eclectic/International
Comparison: about average

Phone: 312-427-3170
Address: 17 West Adams, Chicago, IL 60603
Directions: Near the Federal Building (great for lunch after testifying at a racketeering trial ;-)
Website: http://www.berghoff.com/
Other Contact: http://www.berghoff.com/Berghoff