Chicago Restaurant Tips by deecat Top 5 Page for this destination

Edwardo's Natural Pizza Restaurant: A Favorite of Mine Edwardo's Review

I have always loved Edwardo's Pizza because of the fresh ingredients, crisp crust, and chopped tomatoes in the sauce. On August 10, 2007, Allan and I dropped by the Edwardo's Natural Pizza Restaurant in Chicago on Dearborn, not for pizza, but for a salad.

It was our 44th Wedding Anniversary, and we had already been walking a good deal and wanted a light lunch because we had big plans for our dinner meal.

Edwardo's is perfect for Appetizers, Fresh Salads, and breads. Since their salads are quite large, we decided to split a salad and to share bread. They have many delicious salads, but we selected the Caesar Salad [which consists of crisp, hand-picked romaine lettuce that is tossed with crunchy croutons, parmesan cheese and their classic Caesar dressing. The salad was huge and just excellent. The size was so large that we each had two huge helpings. We loved it so much that we cleaned our plates!

In addition, we ordered the Traditional Garlic Bread and received six pieces, so we each consumed three. Again, it was just perfect...not too much garlic but enough to savor the taste. Also, it was crisp, which we both like...we hate soggy bread.

Favorite Dish: I've eaten at many different Edwardo's Restaurants and have never been dissatisfied. They have wonderful Stuffed, gourmet thin, and "Create Your Own" pizzas. We loved the Stuffed Pizzas.

As stated above, they have great salads such as a Fresh Basil, Chicken Pesto, Spinach, House, and Pasta Salads as well as the Caesar that we enjoyed..

If you enjoy Pasta, then try their Lasagna, Spaghettini Classico, Fettuccini Alfredo or Ravioli Toscano.

They also serve Calzones and sandwiches as well as Cheesecake and Cookies for Dessert.

Address: 1212 N. Dearborn

Comparison: about average

Phone: -312-337-4490

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: Pizza

Website: http://www.edwardos.com

The Book Cellar: Two Loves of Mine: Books and Food

Because I love books so much, whenever I am in Lincoln Square, I always visit the independent book store called "The Book Cellar". However, I have never had the opportunity to eat in their cafe before this August 13, 2007. My friend Mickey and I had spent the day exploring Andersonville and Lincoln Square. It was after 6:00 pm and although we were not "starving", we did need to eat. So, as we were visiting the bookstore, I suggested that we try the cafe.

The serve coffee beverages such as Caffe latte, Caffe mocha, Cappuccino, French-press Coffee, and Espresso as well as Chai tea latte, steamed milk, bottled organic iced tea, Homemade hot cocoa with homemade marshmallow, and Izze soda. Oh, yes, they also offer what is called a Gelatte where they put a scoop or two of vanilla bean gelato into either a latte, mocha, or regular coffee!!

Baked goods are also on the menu such as coffe cake, biscotti, cookies, scones, cupcakes, and granola bars. For a more hearty appetite, they have Sandwiches, salads, soups, a cheese plate and Hummus with crackers.

Open:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 10:00am-10:00pm

Tuesday and Sunday: 12:00 noon-6:00pm

Mickey and I were interested in a sandwich.

Favorite Dish: Mickey ordered the Tuna Salad Sandwich that was made with tuna, red onions, celery, dill, sweet relish and tomato and served on a toasted multi-grain bread.

I ordered their Grilled Cheese which was mild cheddar cheese on Turano panini bread.

The sandwiches are served with potato chips. Because I was thirsty, I ordered an Izze soad [Cream Soda].

We were both satisfied with our sandwiches and drinks and especially enjoyed eating outdoors in front of the shop on this beautiful August evening. Once our order was placed and we had paid the bill, we found our seat, and we were served. The waiter checked on us a couple of times to see if we needed anything else. Good service, good food, and a lovely atmosphere.

The only gripe we seemed to have was that the wine prices were much to high!

Address: 4736-38 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago 60625

Comparison: about average

Phone: 773-293-2665

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.bookcellarinc.com

Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop: If You Love Chocolate and/or Ice Cream

Allan and I both love ice cream, and we adore chocolate, especially dark chocolate. So, it is only natural that we just had to visit Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop on Michigan Avenue. It was quite a treat.

First of all, the Ghirardelli Company has been around since 1852, and they have been in business as a candy company the longest of any in the USA! It is located in San Francisco.

The shop is quite large and has a wonderful 1950's "feel" to it. Naturally, there is a big Soda Fountain Counter. You are able to eat at the counter, at tables inside, or on warm evenings such as August 9, 2007, outside at round tables.

It's a tradition here to be given FREE chocolate samples as you walk in the door!. The night that we were there, we received chocolate squares that were filled with caramel.

It's quite efficient and needs to be because it is always so crowded. You stand in line to give your order; you are give a metal stand with a number on it. You find where you wish to be seated, and as soon as your order is done, a person will deliver it to you and take the stand away.

Allan and I were not overly hungry because we had just eaten; thus, we ordered one speciality sundae to share. We decided to order a Dark Hot Fudge with Toffee and Caramel. It was decadent. It cost $7.99 [a bit pricey, but so delicious].

We had decided to eat outside. Perhaps that was not a great idea because the heat tended to melt the ice cream too rapidly. Nevertheless, we loved the ice cream and especially delighted in the dark, rich fudge!

Address: 830 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60302

Comparison: more expensive than average

Phone: 1-312-337-9330

Price: less than US$10

Rating: 4

Theme: Ice Cream

Wishbone: Southern Reconstruction Cooking Wishbone Review

Allan and I drove to our daughter Jill's house to take her out to lunch before we began our 44th Anniversary Celebration [August 9,10,11, 2007].

Jill suggested Wishbone on Lincoln Avenue. [They have two other locations also].
If you look up this restaurant on their website, you'll see that they use the term "Southern Reconstruction Cooking" as a tongue-in-cheek description. Really, it's southern cooking with the lard, sugar, or overcooked vegetables.

The interior of this restaurant is quite good looking and spacious. In addition, it is huge. When we were there, it was filled with families [lots of children].

Wishbone is noted for its breakfasts, and you are able to order all day long.

This was the second "Wishbone Restaurant", and it opened in 1999 and was affectionately called [Northbone}. This placed is located in a neighborhood "that bridges Lakeview and Roscoe Village on Chicago's northside". It has a back counter, a full bar, lots of space, no frills, food made from scratch, and fair prices.

Favorite Dish: You'll see such items as black-eyed peas, black beans, red potatoes & onions [their idea of home fries], cheese grits, mashed sweet potatoes, crab cakes to name a few.

On this particular day, we could not order North Carolina Pulled Pork because it is a Monday Special.
Thus, I ordered Roast turkey and dressing with two sides. I selected 3-cheese Macaroni & Cheese and a fresh fruit dish. "Yankee Cole Slaw [vinaigrette style] as well as cornbread muffins come with it. (See the first photo_

Jill ordered ab cakes, macaroni and cheese and fresh fruit. She also order homemade Leomonade. (See second photo)

Allan ordered aneggplant dish, and his sides were cold slaw and spinach. By the way, this place is famous as a vegetarian delight.

By complaint is the size of the portions...much to large for me. The Turkey was great with good dressing; I loved the cold Slaw, and the Macaroni and Cheese. I gave away my corn muffin.

Jill said the crab cakes were just OK.

Allan cleaned his plate and ate some items from both Jill and my plates. Jill took home a "doggie plate which included my corn muffin, some of my turkey, and a crab cake".

Address: 3300 North Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60657

Comparison: about average

Phone: 1 (773) 549-2663

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 3

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.wishbonechicago.com

Goose Island Brew Pub: Great Location in Wrigleyville

Photos:
Goose Island Sign
Cubs Loyalty Sign
Neon Sign in the Window

On Tuesday, April 10, 2007, I met Kristi [Dabs] at Goose Island Wrigleyville Brew Pubs on North Clark for a lunch before attending the Chicago Cubs game against Houston.

We were seated in a large booth [which I always like]. Our waitress gave us plenty of time to make our decisions. Since I had been here several times before, I made some suggestions about what to order. Kristi agreed, and we awaited our diet Pepsi's. Once they arrived, we began a non-stop gab session. VT, of course, was one of the main topics.

We stayed their talking for so long that the waitress brought us automatic refills on our colas [which were gigantic.]

The location of Goose Island Wrigleyville was perfect for us since we only had to walk a block or so to reach Wrigleyfield.j

Favorite Dish: Kristi [Dabs} and I decided to share a Pulled Pork Sandwich [slow roasted pork that is cooked with BBQ sauce] which came with a side of cole slaw and the Pub's special chips [thin potato slices that are deep fried and covered with a coating that is somewhat sweet. Even though I don't like potatoes, I do enjoy potato chips, and these were especially good.

In addition, we ordered their famous Crispy Onion Strings, which is onion rings that are not actually ring but very thin sticks piled up high to resemble a haystack. We ordered the ones that were sprinkled with garlic parmesan cheese.

Other items on the menu of interest were:

Chicken Wings and Chicken Tenders
Baked Pretzels
Calamari
Quesadillas
Spinach N/ Artichoke Dip
Mini Munchies [your choice of three mini sandwich such as Grilled Cheese Burger, Pulled BBQ Pork, and Portabella Mushroom
Salads
Several choices of Soups
Brats
Clubhouse Sandwiches
Reuben
Grilled Veggie Sandwich
All kinds of Hamburgers
Fish N' Chips
Cajun Meat Loaf
Soft Tacos

Address: 3535 North Clark Street, Chicago

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: 773.832.9040

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 4

Theme: American

Saloon Steak House: Little Known Steak House

For a very special 44th Wedding Anniversary on August 10, 2007, Allan and I agreed to eat at the Seneca Hotel's Restaurant called "Saloon Steakhouse". What an excellent decision we made!

First of all, we just took the elevator from our 17th floor room down to the Lobby of our hotel, walked a few feet inside, opened the side door, walked up about 6 steps, and we were inside the restaurant.

We were seated in a room where there was only one small table; the rest were large groups of people. It was somewhat loud, but it only added to our festive mood.

.

Favorite Dish: First, we ordered drinks: Allan had a red wine, and I ordered a Reisling. Both of these wines were outstanding. They brought warm bread with whipped butter to the table. I usually don't eat either bread or butter; however, we were starving from all the walking we had shared that day. The bread was just wonderful, and we each had three pieces!

A crisp, fresh salad came with our meal, and we both ordered blue cheese dressing, which was above par, indeed.

Allan ordered a 10 ounce Prime Rib with a horseradish glaze, and I ordered a filet with a blue cheese topping. We both "raved about our steaks and cleaned our plates.

Then, of course, we had desserts! I ordered a decadent pecan pie that had chocolate and caramel dripped over it; Allan had a Peach dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. We also had delicious coffee. [By the way, our delightful waitress placed a lit candle in my piece of pecan pie in honor of our anniversary!]
Allan ended the night with a sipping liquor.*

Address: 200 East Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Comparison: more expensive than average

Directions: Located inside the Seneca Hotel

Phone: 1(312) 266-4500

Price: US$31-40

Rating: 5

Theme: Steakhouse

Pizzeria Uno/Pizzeria Due: A New Look at Pizzeria Due Pizzeria Uno/Pizzeria Due Review

Allan and I have eaten at both Pizzeria Due and Pizzeria Uno for 40 years. It used to be our favorite pizza in a long list of great pizza establishments in Chicago. On Thursday, August 9, 2007, we walked to Wabash and Ontario to eat at Pizzeria Due. It was such a disappointment. Of of all, you go inside and place your order. The pizza takes 45 minutes so you have to pre-order. It's always jam-packed; thus, there is a long wait. We sat outside on a bench and watched the people and cars. We were called about 35 minutes later and taken into the room with the large bar. We were seated at one of those uncomfortable high round tables. This one was especially small and wobbly. We ordered drinks and a house salad to split. The salad came in one dish so we had to eat out of one dish. The salad was not fresh. I just ate a few bites. Allan was hungry so he finished it off but agreed that it was less than mediocre.

Once our pizza came, [we ordered a medium pepperoni deep dish], I was famished. Because the table was so wobbly, every time either of us cut the pizza, it seemed as though everything would fall off the table.

The pizza was good but not good enough to have to go through that ordeal again.

Favorite Dish: Pizzeria Due serves appetizers such as soup, garlic bread, veggie dip, and buffalo wings. They offer salads such as Caesar and Spinach as well as house salad. They offer only two kinds of pasta: Pomodoro [Penne with meatless marinara sauce] and Spaghetti [with meatballs].

Sandwiches consist of Italian Beef, Meatball, Italian Beef and Sausage Combo. They do offer Desserts such as spumoni ice cream, Chicago cheesecake, a brownie bowl, an Uno Deep Dish Sundae, and Mega-sized Deep Dish Sundaes.. I cannot believe I've never tried one of their desserts, but after pizza, I'm too full to try one.%c*

Address: 619 N. Wabash

Comparison: about average

Directions: Corner of Wabash and Ontario

Phone: 312-321-1000/312-943-2400

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 2

Theme: Pizza

Website: http://www.pizzeriauno.com/

Andies [Andersonville]: Great Mediterranean Restaurant

On Monday, August 13, 2007, my friend Mickey and I ate lunch at one of my favorite restaurants in Andersonville section of Chicago called ANDIES RESTAURANT.

It was a beautiful day, but quite sunny on the patio; thus, we chose to eat inside and, fortunately, were seated by the open-air window overlooking the patio.

This is a very diverse menu that includes:

Appetizers such as Hummus, Baba Ganoush, Harressa, Spinach & Feta Pie, Dolma [stuffed Grape Leaves with rice & herbs], a Combination Appetizer, and Calamari Friti

Soups includen 100% Vegetarian Lentil or Avgolemon: Chicken, Lemon & Rice Soup

Salads such as House Greek, Tabouli, Fatoosh.

They also offer sever Vegetarian Entrees such as Moroccan Eggplant, Vegetarian Potato Chop, Portabella over Lentil, Spinach & Feta Pie, and Mousaka.

Kabobs such as Chicken & Kefta Kabob, Steak & Chicken Breast, Shrimp & Steak, or Shrimp & Chicken.

They provide a long list of Poultry Entrees such as Curried Chicken Couscous, Half Greek Chicken, Moroccan Chicken with Apricot, Tunisian Chicken & Artichoke.

They also have Lamb & Beef Entrees such as Braised Lamb Shank Gyros Plate, Kefta Kabob [Lebanese Style]. My husband Allan loves the Lamb dishes.

Sandwiches inclue Gyros, Falafel, Cheeseburger, Turkey Burger.

Of course they have Rice, Potatoes, Couscous, Pita Bread, and Hot peppers.

There Desserts include Baklava, cheese cake, Tiramisu, and Ice Cream.

Favorite Dish: For this lunch with Mickey, I ordered Feta & Olives for us to share and a Tabouli Salad [wheat, Olive oil, lemon & Mint].

Mickey ordered a Crepe that was filled with olives, chicken, and other vegetables. Fresh fruit came with the order.

Both of us were very satisfied with our meal, the beautiful location, and the excellent service.

Address: 5253 Clark, Chicago

Comparison: about average

Directions: One block north of Foster (1500 W)

Phone: 773-784-8616

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Other

Berghoff Bar & Restaurant: Chicago's "Cultural Icon" is Closing Berghoff Bar & Restaurant Review

On Tuesday, January 3, 2006, Allan and I visited [for the last time], the famed Loop German restaurant, Berghoff. We just had to go have lunch there because we had just read that it is closing forever on February 28.

Today I learned that Berghoff is open now as 17/West [December 28,2006.

We had to stand in line outside in the cold for about 15 minutes, but we took that opportunity to soak up the ambiance, peruse the menru posted outside, and to relish, for the final time, the almost extinct family-owned restaunts in Chicago's Loop.

Berghoff is 107 year old. Today, Herman and Jan Berghoff own and operate this German-style restaurant that Chicago families have loved so much. Herman is now 70 and has worked in the restaurant since 1952. It was his grandfather who founded it. Fortunately, the Berghoff family did not put this priceless place on the market because their daughter, Carlyn Berghoff, plans to move her catering company [Artistic Events] to this location. She will rename the bar, calling it 17 West at The Berghoff. She also plans to reopen the adjoining cafe; however, the restaurant will be used for private, catered events only.

We discovered that Berghoff's was the first Chicago establishment to be given a liquor license after Prohibition ended.The "men-only" bar tradition ended in 1969 because seven women from the National Organization for Women demanded it.

We enjoyed this old-style restaurant, especially the black jacketed waiters, the multiple old photographs, the remarkably lovely wood throughout, and the enchanting old hanging lights.

I feel so sorry for all of us in Chicago, but I especially feel sorry for the 92 full-time employees.
Some of these waiters have worked here for 30+ years!

Favorite Dish: Berghoff's has its own beer, simply called Berghoffs. Although lines are long, it is run efficiently. We were given a two-person table next to the wall where we were able to see all the historical photographs. Next, we were give two kinds of rye bread with delicious butter. Words are insufficient to describe the breads. Allan ordered a hot corned beef sandwich, German potato salad and Apple Strudle for dessert...oh, yes, and two German beers! I had a toasted Ruben Sandwich [corn beef, swiss cheese, and sauer kraut. I never have Thousand Island dressing on it...spoils the taste in my estimation. This delicious sandwich was served with Berghoff Chips [homemade potato chips]. For dessert, I had German Chocolate Cake with a dab of whipped cream.

An added benefit to our visit was the beautiful Christmas Decorations and enormous Christmas Tree.

What a marvelous afternoon we spent at Berghoffs and then a visit to the bar with its enormous stand-up bar. A real "treat" that will not be ours to savor again. How sad for us; how sad for Chicago.

2nd photo is stained glass inside the Berghoff.
3rd photo is at our table as Allan looks at the menu. Note lighting and beautiful wood.
4th photo was taken while looking into the main dining room with Christmas tree.
5th photo is of the attached bar. Note the size of this mammoth stand-up bar at Berghoff.

Address: 17 West Adams

Comparison: about average

Directions: The Loop

Phone: 312 427 3170

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: German/Austrian

Website: http://www.berghoff.com

Yes Thai Chicago: My Favorite Thai Food in Chicago

PLEASE CLICK PHOTO TO ENLARGE

When we go to visit our daughter Jill in the Lincoln Square area on Damen Avenue in Chicago, we like to either go to or order from Yes Thai Chicago Restaurant, which is just down the street from her home.

It's a small place, but whenever I have been there, it has been filled, but without people waiting to be seated. The service is quite efficient, and the servers are helpful, friendly, and quick.

The photo that I scanned of their new menu was quite a shock to me because it seems so "Hip", which I would not have thought of in the same breath with the Yes Thai establishment.
Don't be misled....the servers do not dress like the girl on the cover of the menu.

No checks are accepted, but Discover, Master Card, and Visa are accepted.

Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 11:30 am-9:30 pm
Friday-Saturday: 11:30 am-10:30 pm
Sunday: 3:00 pm-9:00 pm

Lunch Specials:
Monday-Friday: 11:30 am-2:30 pm

Favorite Dish: The food is the best Thai that I have ever tasted anywhere. It is always so fresh, delectable, and quite delicious.

The menu is estensive and includes:
Appetizers, Soup, Salad, Noodles, Rice, Specials, Side Orders, Curry, Extras, Beverages

I am especially fond of the Thai Ice Coffee for $2.50.

Other favorites of mine are:

Six Crab Rangoon, which is crab meat, cream cheese and celery in a crispy wonton and their sweet and sour sauce [it is by far the best I've ever tasted!]

Six Baby Egg Rolls which are small egg rolls filled with ground shrimp and chicken and their sweet and sour sauce [they are delicate and quite crispy, the way I love them!]

Other wonderful selections that I would suggest:

Peanut Salad which consists of peapod, baby corn, broccoli, carrot, and crispy tofu with peanut sauce.

Cucumber Salad which is cucumber, onion and carrot in clear sweet and sour vinaigrette [quite refreshing!]

Special Pad Thai which is made of glass noodles, egg, green onion, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts and either shrimp or chicken.

If you like hot, you will love the CASHEW NUT RICE that is cashew nuts, pineapple, tomato, white onion, carrot, bell pepper, button mushroom, peapod, dried hot peppers, and homemade special sauce!

Allan had their Basil Duck [boneless duck with basil, garlic, green beans and hot pepper]
Red Snapper [crispy snapper fillet topped with special spicy thai sauce]
Chu Chee Catfish [crispy catfish with chu chee curry]
Pad Thai [thin noodles, egg, green onion, bean sprouts, crushed peanuts and lime] (yum)

It's quite a culinary experience to eat at Yes Thai Chicago.

Address: 5211 North Damen Avenue, Chicago, Illinois

Comparison: less expensive than average

Phone: 773-878-3487

Price: US$11-20

Rating: 5

Theme: Other

Website: http://www.YesThaiChicago.com