Red Rooster Wine Bar and Cafe

WOW. This meal was dynamite.

I came here with one of my best girlfriends after a most productive day of shopping. I'd read about this place, and was really excited about trying it.

The restaurant is attached to a walk-up apartment building. We missed the sign on the door, and almost ended up in a random apartment! When we walked in, we were pleasantly surprised. The restaurant is tiny, and the decor is amazing. There are chandeliers and red curtains over the windows. It's Parisian and tasteful.

We split the calamari and mussels for appetizers. The mussels were delicious and perfectly cooked. The calamari definitely had a wow factor. It was in a tomato and caper sauce that was absolutely delicious. Honestly, probably the best calamari that I've ever had.

We each got salads for our entrees. I had the apple and bleu cheese; my friend the spinach and goat cheese. Both salads were excellent, and the perfect size. Finally, we split the creme brulee with berries for dessert. MMMMM!!!!!! It was so good, and came with a raspberry caramel sauce on the side. Also, probably the best creme brulee that I've ever had.

Our bill ended up being a fraction of what we thought it would be, and we were completely full and satisfied. I'd highly recommend this place to anyone who loves French food, or wants a good experience trying it.

Tallulah

Tried this place a few weeks ago...WOW!

I have lived in the square for almost a year now, and Tallulah's unassuming appearance on Lincoln had me passing it without knowing what a gem it was. Three of my best friends and I had made a reservation, and as the weather has been better, requested to sit in the "patio". As soon as we got there, the hostess informed us that she had, in fact, saved us a table out back. We walked through the restaurant, which was charming and understated (in a good way), to the outdoor patio. It was a really neat set up! We weren't outside technically, but the glass walls and beautiful curtains made it feel like we were in a really cool, warmer version of outside. We all loved it.

We split a bottle of white, which was the perfect accompaniment to all of our dishes. For appetizers, we tried the steak tartar and the soft shell crab (a special!). WOW. The crab was excellent. I really enjoyed the steak tartar as well. For my entree, I had the Rainbow Trout. Delicious. I was intrigued by the artichokes (one of my favorite things in the world), and to have some hearts fried in with the fish and capers was fantastic. My friends had the steak frites, the wahoo, and the duck. We all tried each others' dishes, and everyone was happy. The steak and duck were both cooked to perfection.

Finally, we ended with the bread pudding and chocolate peanut butter pots. Amazing. The perfect way to finish this fabulous meal.

I'd seen some gripes about the service here on yelp, but ours was great. Our wine glasses were always full and I did feel taken care of. Getting the bill was a little slow, but not a big deal at all. If you're willing to part with some cash, Tallulah is an experience worth having.

Bin 36

I've only been here once, but I really enjoyed myself and the experience.

The wine flights are AWESOME, and there are just so many choices. There is truly something for everyone. I had one of the Riesling flights (yum!). I went with a group and all of us were very happy with the wine.

Since we were a larger group, we ordered the largest cheese flight. WOW. Absolutely delicious. And there was so much cheese! Heaven.

We all then ordered dessert, which was great as well. Our server accidentally overcharged us on dessert, so she comp'ed one of them to make up for it. She was very knowledgable about the wine, which was also very helpful.

I love the way Bin 36 is set up. It feels very spacious and open, and I love that you can purchase the wines that you have just tasted. Overall, it's a bit of a splurge, but worth it in the end.

Quartino

This is one of the most fantastic restaurants in the city!

I love love love going to Quartino. My friend introduced me to it a few years ago and I've been going ever since. The food here is wonderful and inexpensive. It's kind of loud, but the atmosphere is great and the servers are all excellent. They have consistently been friendly and very helpful.

My favorite things to order here are the Pizzas, the Aspargus Risotto, and the Seafood (the Salmon is always great). For dessert, I definitely recommend the chocolate fondue and the donut things (I forget what they are called).

I really like that you have the options of bringing wine, buying a bottle in front, and ordering off the wine list. The wine that they offer is always great and always a good deal price wise.

I had my birthday party here last year, and it was a perfect meal. They put us in the party room just off of the bar, so it was much quieter and we had a little more room to spread out. We were able to order lots of dishes and share them amongst ourselves, so everyone got to try lots of different things. They were very gracious and I just had a wonderful time.

I've also brought visiting family members here and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good meal!

Terragusto

This place is AMAZING. One of the best meals that I have ever had in my life!

A few of my friends and I just went this past weekend and had a fantastic experience. There were 4 of us, and we each ordered off of the pre-fixe menu. For what you pay, this is a great deal. We each got antipasti, pasta, a meat, and dessert. Since there were four of us, we got to taste practically the entire menu. The antipasti and pastas were out of this world. My favorite pasta was the Bolognese. We got the fish and the beef, and both were great! For dessert, my favorite thing was the pannacotta.

The food is really "feel good food"; everyone was so happy with the meal and our experience too. Our waitress was great, and made a point to put our order in before a huge party walked in the door, which was greatly appreciated! This place is completely worth the splurge!

Bistro Campagne

This is a very special place to eat!

My friend and I went there on New Year's Eve, and we had an INCREDIBLE meal.

First of all, I love how this restaurant is designed. It looks like a small little bistro but it actually is way bigger than you would expect. Despite the craziness of New Year's, we were seated quickly (we had a reservation) and both the hostess and our waitress were very friendly.

My dining companion and I actually ended up ordering the exact same meal with the same wine pairing. For appetizers we had the mussels, which were absolutely delicious, and we had lobster for our main course. This was also cooked perfectly, with a lemon butter sauce. It was just the right amount of food. For dessert, we had the chocolate souffle. Divine.

Not only was this meal impeccable, but it was also the kind of meal that just set a great tone for the evening. I would come back to Bistro Campagne any time and hope to in the near future!

Sushi Para II

This is my favorite sushi place in the entire city. I love the all you can eat option, because it allows you to try all of the different rolls without paying for them individually.

Definitely try the shrimp tempura roll, the rainbow roll, the spider roll, and the pop up roll. They are all really incredible, and you'd normally pay way more to try such unique sushi out. They are absolutely delicious.

Sometimes the service is bad (and getting seated can take two hours!) but it is definitely worth it. And the fact that it is BYOB is definitely a plus!

Presence

I think I love this store a little too much for my budget these days...

I came in here with a friend this weekend after having not been in for a while. It's Spring now, and I decided that I needed lots of new spring dresses. This was definitely the place to go. There were a ton of dresses to choose from. I ended up completely torn between two of them (finally deciding on the one that was more practical). They just had the cutest things though. The girl who was working the dressing room was very sweet despite being isanely busy. Women were literally pushing me out of the way to get in line for the fitting rooms but she somehow managed to stay calm (something I know that I would not be able to do).

I'd rate my experience here four stars and will definitely go back. The quality of clothes could be a little bit better, but the price is definitely right for a small boutique.

DSW Shoe Warehouse

I have a big shoe problem. And this store is NOT helping. In an absolutely wonderful way. But seriously, I am addicted to shoes, and i love this store.

The first time I came in here, i found the most amazing Sam Edelman brown snakeskin pumps...on sale, for less than 20 dollars. There was a girl who was training as a sales associate and she was extremely helpful.

I was also in this past weekend looking for sandals. I had a very specific design of a shoe that I wanted. I'd checked some other stores, and just hoped that DSW would have it. They literally had the exact shoe I was hoping for. And for the right price too.

This store is amazing. I can always find something that I want or didn't know that I need. Definitely come here for awesome shoes.

Berry Chill

All i can say is, YUM.

This was the perfect way to break up a boring and lame day at the office. Some friends of mine from work were raving about this place yesterday, so today I walked over to give it a try.

I walked in (during a peak lunch hour), and was immediately greeted with a smile. I like the way this place is set up, and was slightly intimidated by the many choices in toppings that lay before me. I knew that I wanted fruit, so I chose strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. I think next time I will opt for the granola, or perhaps one of their girl scout cookie options (genius!).

This stuff tastes amazing. I love the idea of plain yogurt that is frozen (so many less calories, thus less guilt). They put just the right amount of toppings on so that they could be mixed in perfectly with the yogurt.

It's a bit of a splurge, but sometimes, you just need a delicious and healthy treat to break up the day! I will definitely be back. Probably too much.

Robert Jeffrey Hair Studio

Ok. So, your hair is extremely important, right? I think that it really matters that when you get a haircut, it's done well and you walk out feeling like a new person.

I've been here a few times because I followed my stylist, Conor, when he moved here from another salon. I have to say, I love coming to this salon. Everyone who works here is incredibly friendly, and I feel really taken care of. I've never had to wait long at all for my appointment, and always leave feeling great. Conor is awesome. I've always been thrilled with his work.

I'd highly recommend this salon to anyone!

Gordon in Lakeview

I've been here a few times and have had great experiences!

I like the feeling of this salon because it just feels so natural. I'm not big on products (except for those that can help with frizz in the summer!), so this place feels right up my alley. When you walk in they offer you drinks and I highly recommend the tea. It's seriously delicious. Everyone who works there is really nice and does what they can to cater to you. One time I completely spaced and wrote down the wrong time (thus showing up over an hour late), and they still made time for me to get a haircut that day. I thought that was really great since I'd been the one to make a mistake!

If you're looking for a high quality, reasonably priced salon in Lakeview, I'd highly recommend Gordon's!

Delmonico

Meh.

This place is just ok. Conveniently located in my office building, it's an easy go-to buffet to pick up a quick and cheap lunch. I've never really been exceedingly pleased with the food, but it's never been terrible. I love making salads at buffets and this place just doesn't have a whole ton of options in terms of fresh ingredients. It does, however, have really good bad Chinese food. And as a sushi lover, I kind of enjoy their attempt at a California roll, even though there is nothing really special (or even authentic) about it.

The staff cracks me up because even at the height of the lunch hour you never have to wait more than 2 minutes in line. It's incredibly fast. If you're looking for a quality meal, then this is not the place to spend your lunch hour. But, if you need something easy and fast, give it a try!

Molly's Cupcakes 2

I just came here again this past weekend, and I must say, I have to add on that fifth star. We came in right before closing, and the place was packed.

Since I had been there last, they had added many flavors. I sampled the coconut creme and the lemon meringue. Both were out of this world awesome. My friends sampled the cookie monster, the chocolate strawberry, and the berries and cream. Everyone was so happy with their cupcakes. Even though it was late, the staff was friendly and welcoming.

Definitely a delicious place to go in search of a fantastic cupcake!

Molly's Cupcakes 1

My friends and I have jokingly named ourselves to be "cupcake anthropologists", and this place is definitely on our radar.

What could be better than walking into a store that completely revolves around the consumption of cupcakes? The decor is adorable, and they've picked a really great location right on Clark Street. Every single time I've been in, the staff has been really friendly and seem to be happy to be there. My favorite cupcake is the chocolate with strawberry in the middle and chocolate icing on top. It is DELICIOUS. In fact, I have yet to experience a cupcake at Molly's that I didn't thoroughly enjoy.

If you're into cupcakes, or just sweets in general, definitely check this place out!

Diamond Headache Clinic

The Diamond Headache Clinic has literally changed my life.

I've been suffering from horrible, debilitating migraines for about 10 years now. My mom gets them, my sister gets them, and my grandmother used to. I've tried tons of medications, preventative and migraine induced, and I've been to countless doctors. The last neurologist I went to point blank stared at me and told me that he didn't believe that I got 4 migraines a week (at minimum) and then JOKED that perhaps I had a brain tumor. I'd missed work, time with friends, and feeling "well" for the majority of my life. The medicine I was taking at the onset of a migraine was making me ill, and want to pass out immediately. Even if the pain was relieved, my day was still shot.

Needless to say, I was at my wit's end. I felt that no one believed that this was such a disability besides my mom and roommates, and I knew that I needed to get help, and fast! I went to the clinic to see Dr. Nissan and was incredibly impressed and surprised at the awesome treatment I received.

I was seen by a nurse who took a comprehensive history of my medications and conditions, in addition to daily habits like diet and exercise. When I saw Dr. Nissan, he spent over an hour with me in the room discussing options for medications and lifestyle changes. I told him that I would change ANYTHING about my lifestyle if it would help get rid of these migraines. He prescribed some new meds for prevention and upon the onset of a migraine. I then had a series of tests done to make sure that everything else was ok and that I could proceed with the new medications.

Since that visit, the quality of my life has gone up considerably. I am now only getting seldom migraines, and ones that aren't nearly as severe. Dr. Nissan has very carefully been following my progress. He is an incredible doctor because he is always up to date on me, and is sensitive and knowledgeable (which obviously he should be!).

I'd recommend this place to anyone suffering from migraines! It's a wonderful place!

Midtown Kitchen and Bar

This is a fun and convenient place to go for happy hour right after work.

My friend and I work across the street from each other, so we decided to start meeting up for happy hour on Thursdays. We stumbled on this place sort of unintentionally, and I'm definitely glad we found it. We immediately befriended the bartender and some other fellow happy hour drinkers, and always have a great time. To drink, I'd recommend the house pinot grigio or one of their delicious martinis. To eat, I've only had the turkey burger, but it was definitely yummy! Fries are good too.

Sometimes the crowd here is a little....not fun and loud, but not enough to hinder any fun you might have. And the el is literally right there!

Emerald Loop

I really like the feeling of this place. I've now been twice, and would definitely go again.

I came here for an after work drink with my friend. We sat at the bar and each had a beer. I really enjoyed the atmosphere, and thought that the service was really good.

When I came back for a second time, another friend of mine and I were starving! So, we were immediately seated at a table. I ordered the goat cheese quesadillas and she ordered a sandwich. I thought that the quesadillas were excellent! So much goat cheese and delicious. My friend was quite happy with her sandwich. I ordered a wine and was very happy with that too.

I'd absolutely recommend this place for an after work drink or quick dinner!

Pannenkoeken

I LOVE CREPES.

Honestly. They are one of my favorite foods, so when I had the opportunity to go to Pannenkoeken, I jumped at the chance. This place is charming. It's so small that you almost always have to wait for a table, but it is definitely worth it. I went with one of my roommates, who favors the savory crepe. I, on the other hand, love a sweet crepe. So, I ordered the chocolate and strawberry crepe while she "built her own" crepe with vegetables and havarti cheese. We both split an order of hash browns to accompany our crepes.

WOW. The crepes were absolutely delicious (and huge!). I tried her crepe and it was wonderful. I was soooo happy with my chocolate crepe, and we both really enjoyed the hash browns. And the coffee was wonderful as well.

I'd highly recommend Pannenkoeken to anyone, because they have so many choices and the crepes are truly fantastic!

Andie's Restaurant

I've only been here once, and my experience was, kind of...meh. The location and ambience is great. I love how it's right in the center of Andersonville!

I came here with a dear friend and his family for a celebration. We had sort of a larger party, but nothing crazy. The two tables, which were two completely different sizes, were put together really awkwardly. The server came and took our orders, and that was pretty much the last time we saw him. He COMPLETELY abandoned us, and after an hour of waiting for our food, was nowhere to be found. I finally spotted him hiding by the kitchen. He had obviously forgotten to put our order in, and was just avoiding us.

Finally, we said something to someone else, and they sort of tried to remedy the situation. Quite frankly, by that point, it was too late. We had been sitting there FOREVER before we saw any food, and instead of apologizing about the wait and horrific service, they gave us an attitude. It was one of those situations where I didn't even want to eat the food because I was so fed up. When we finally got our food, it was pretty good, but the terrible service just overshadowed how tasty it was.

I honestly would not recommend this place. It's way too frustrating.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is so awesome.

I love this place because they have everything, and it's not too expensive. I love to cook, but sometimes after work I just need something easy. That's where their frozen dinners come in handy. The bags with pasta and vegetables are fantastic. And cheap. Their kielbasa is also really great and tasty. I've never really had anything from there that I wasn't completely satisfied with.

And the wine selection. WOW. For someone who loves wine as much as I do, this is a really great place to pick up a couple of bottles. You can find wine for as little as $4, or you can also go the expensive route. They have SUCH a good selection, and I'm always very happy with everything that I try from there.

The flowers they have are always gorgeous, and in great condition. If you go to Jewel to get flowers, chances are they are on their way out by the time they reach the store. Not at TJ's!

Finally, the staff is excellent. Always friendly and helpful, they just round out what is always a great grocery shopping experience!

Hamburger Mary's

First of all, you get your bill in a SHOE! What could be better than that? Usually it's a shoe with sparkles too, so that's pretty freaking awesome.

The burgers here are fantastic. Honestly, the best burger I've had in Chicago. I started with the basic cheeseburger, but I've tried other things since. I love the Buffalo Chicken Wrap. It's super spicy but sooo good. And definitely try whatever drink special they have...never disappointing, and always yummy.

If you're not there to eat dinner, head upstairs for maryoke. HYSTERICAL, and always worth going to!

I'd recommend this place really highly for anyone who loves a burger and fries!

The Davis Theater

I LOVE this theater!

The Davis Theater is one of the only theaters I can think of that hasn't been completely re-done in the past 10-15 years. The theater needs to be painted. It's small, and lacks stadium seating, but it has tons of charm.

Plus, it's a great deal! Tickets sell for so much less than they do up in Evanston or Lincoln Park, and they still manage to always have movies that my friends and I want to see.

It doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not, and still manages to be completely awesome. It's always such a welcome change to go to the movies here.

Golden Nugget Pancake House

I recently dined here with a dear friend of mine. We were both fortunate enough to have Fridays off from our job, and we decided, spur of the moment, that we needed some golden nugget in our lives on that fateful day.

The Golden Nugget looks just as a diner should look. There are booths and tables that don't ever really look completely clean, but you don't mind because it's a diner and that's what you expect.

One of my favorite things in the world is french fries. I love love love a good french fry, but alas, one has to be careful about where and when they order them. I decided that this was just one of those days where I needed some. My lovely dining companion ordered a hamburger and some heavenly onion rings (I also truly love those). I decided on the turkey club sandwich, which came with fries.

Our food came out promptly, and was really delicious! I'd never come here if I was looking for a "good meal", but this certainly didn't disappoint for what it was. So if you're ever in the mood for good bad diner food, the Golden Nugget is the place to go.

Chicago Brauhaus

I really really wanted to love this place. You walk in the door, and not only are you transported to Germany, but a different time era as well. I've been here twice, and it's definitely an experience not to be forgotten!

In terms of beer, this place is great. The food is where I take issue. It's overpriced, especially considering what you get. Both times that I've been there, I got their Bavarian Pretzel, which was great, but expensive. In terms of main courses however, the Brauhaus falls short. The first time that I was there, my friend ordered the Hawaii toast. It was literally a piece of white bread, some spam, and one pineapple ring. I could have made several of those from scratch in my own home, and for less money! The second time I was there I ordered the meatballs, which were alright. I just feel that the food here leaves a lot to be desired! It's pretty bland and overpriced.

As far as entertainment goes, however, this place does not disappoint. The live band is amazing, and you can tell that the musicians are having the time of their lives up there on stage. There was a fabulous older couple taking over the dance floor, and it was incredible.

I'd recommend the Brauhaus for the overall experience, but don't get your hopes up for cuisine that blows you away!

Charlie's Ale House

This is one of my favorite places to meet up with friends. It's one of our "go-to" spots, and I love going there.

The martinis are wonderful! I particularly love the grapefruit, but I've tried almost all of them and have never been disappointed. There are also a bunch of beers and other mixed drinks (also delicious), so there is really something for everyone.

I like the food here too. The wings are great, the sandwiches are yummy, and i love the burgers. And delicious french fries too! The service is usually kind of slow, but most times we're there to hang out and not in any hurry. I'd definitely recommend Charlies to anyone!

Hopleaf Bar

This is a really really fun place to go on the weekends...except on weekends you can't get in. I love this place, but the last few times I've tried to eat and drink there, it's been a two hour wait!

That said...they have an awesome beer selection. Half the fun is choosing what beer to try next! I've never been let down by anything I've ordered either. The cashew butter and fig jam sandwich is to DIE for. SO good. And the mac and cheese that comes along with it is incredible. To be honest, I've never ordered anything else food-wise because it is just so freaking fantastic!

I love the atmopshere of the place too. It's just a great place to hang out and eat and drink, if you can get in!

Cafe Selmarie

I recently brought my family here for brunch during a visit...and it was definitely a great choice!

I love where Cafe Selmarie is located in the square. The first time I visited this place, my roommates and I wanted to sample the baked goods in the area (thus deciding if it was a good neighborhood to live in, naturally). I must say, I was a little bit disappointed with the slice of white chocolate cake I tried, but having a sit-down meal at the cafe was a totally different experience.

I had the Brioche French Toast, which was absolutely delicious. I'm a big fan of french toast, and this was up there among my favorites. My parents were also happy with what they ordered (my sister and I double ordered on the french toast), and my roommate who joined us was as well. The server was friendly and competent, and really did a great job. I'd come back here for brunch again and again!

Fikret Topal Devrim Cleaner

This is absolutely my go-to dry cleaners.

I moved into the Lincoln Square area about a year ago, and from day one have been using them. Figo is SO nice, and learned my name immediately! I love the way my clothes come back. I recently thought that I had ruined one of my favorite dresses, and it came back SPOTLESS. I was SO happy about how it looked "post-devrim".

I realize that perhaps dry cleaning here is a little pricey, but knowing that my clothes are coming back perfectly, and with a smile keeps me coming here. It's a small business that does fantastic work!!!

Pizza Art Cafe

Mmm Pizza Art Cafe. I live right in the neighborhood, so I order pizza from here at least twice a month. It's the right price, and is never too greasy. I've tried almost every single kind of pizza and have never really been disappointed. My favorites are Quattro Stagioni and the all-cheese one (I can't remember the name of it!). The crust is thin, so they go pretty fast, but they are delicious! I've also tried the salads, and they are actually really good! The Greek salad is my favorite, with dynamite feta cheese in huge chunks.

I've never dined in here, but the service for pick up has always been friendly and fast! This place is great for dinner in a pinch!

Tank Sushi

So, I love sushi, but I kind of don't see what the big deal is about Tank. When I first moved to Lincoln Square, one of my roommates and I set out on a Friday night, hoping to try some new awesome place in the square. We decided on Tank as we both love sushi!

Upon first glance at the menu, we realized that this was a very overpriced sushi place. I've been to a LOT of sushi restaurants, and have paid way less for better sushi. The sushi we got was fine, but just not great. Nothing memorable or that blew us away. And we ate less because of the price!

I have to give it props for the location and ambiance. The inside is pretty cool, and we sat outside, which was lovely. So, that part is nice, but I don't think I'll be back to try the sushi anytime soon.

Harvestime Foods

This grocery store is AMAZING!!

I moved a few blocks away just under a year ago, and this store has been SO wonderful to have so close by. I'm big on produce, and this is the best place to go. They always have a fantastic selection of fruit, and even berries (when out of season) are still cheaper than they would be at jewel. The vegetable selection is great and everything always looks fresh. I honestly can't look at other stores' produce sections the same way. You can literally buy a week's worth of produce for 3 people for under $20.

The meat , deli and cheese section is great too, although in some cases, you kind of have to butcher the meat yourself. Sometimes when I get chicken breast, I have to cut out the fat and sometimes bones. But, it's like $2 a pound, so it's worth it.

If you need other non-produce staples (bread or cereal or baking items, etc), then this isn't the best deal. But it does usually have everything that I need, and for less money than I would spend anywhere else.

Women's Workout World

As a member of this gym, i have to say, it's pretty lame. I live in Lincoln Square, and I really don't get how or why there isn't another gym in the neighborhood.

Women's Workout World, while fabulously cheap, is kind of a horrible gym. It is ALWAYS dirty...in fact, I don't even bring my ipod to the gym because I'm worried about getting it dirty. No joke. The machines are all old and barely functional. The elliptical machines shake when you use them, and usually more than one is out of order at any given time. The treadmills are fine, but as an elliptical girl, I am constantly frustrated at the condition of these machines. There is gum ALL over the machines too, and I always feel dirty before I've even begun working out.

The weight machines are TERRIBLE. They are squeaky and rickety and a hassle to use at all. If someone maintained these at all, they would be in a much better state, but alas, they are not.

If you're looking for a gym that offers the bare minimum basics, then this is the gym for you. But, if you can afford it or have a better gym in your vicinity, skip the W3.

Merz Apothecary

This store is really cool!

The first time I came into the store, I was just exploring the neighborhood, but it's totally one of my favorite places in the square. You walk in, and the "natural" aroma immediately hits you.

They honestly have every supplement, vitamin, and natural substance you could ever want. The staff is all completely friendly and helpful. The only bad thing that I can say is that it is a little bit pricey, but it's totally worth it!

Daily Bar and Grill

The Daily Bar and Grill is sort of a "meh" sort of place in Lincoln Square. I've been here a few times, and it's pretty good if you're looking for standard American fare.

I've had a few of the sandwiches and salads here, and they were good...nothing stands out as amazing but they did the trick. This is a fun place to eat outside if the weather is nice, because you're not right on the street but you can still feel a part of the square.

I DON'T recommend the martinis here. I ordered one once and it was a terrible mistake. It honestly tasted AWFUL...I sent it back because it was literally undrinkable, and the waitress looked like she wanted to smack me. I always feel bad sending things back, and only do when absolutely necessary.

The Daily Grill is good in a pinch, but I'd recommend going to one of the other many restaurants in the square.

The Grafton

The minute i walked into this place, I knew I was going to like it. I came in with two friends in the dead of winter, and it was the perfect place to be on a night like that. It was a Saturday night and was extremely crowded, but we were able to put our name in, grab a drink and a place to hover, and it didn't really seem like too long before we were seated in a booth.

The food was AMAZING. I ordered fish and chips, and it was honestly incredible. There was a TON of fish and it was cooked perfectly. The fries were great too. One friend ordered meatloaf and the other shepherd's pie, and we all sampled each other's meal. All three of us were extremely happy!

I'd recommend this place to anyone, especially in the winter months. I will definitely be back!

Icosium Cafe

This place is great!

I came here with a friend this past winter, and was really happy to finally try Icosium out! I love the decor because it's interesting but not overdone. Our server was very friendly too!

I ordered a vegetarian crepe (although I am not a vegetarian). It was wonderful!! So much flavor and goodness wrapped up into one crepe. I split a dessert crepe with my friend and that too was delicious!

If you like savory OR dessert crepes, this is definitely a place to try out!

Eclecticity

I love coming into this store to get cards! They have every kind of card that anyone could ever want, from holidays to birthdays to just saying hey cards. I was in here yesterday to get a birthday card and a mother's day card, and found exactly what i needed in under 10 minutes. And they are definitely priced more reasonably than say, papyrus.

Eclecticity has lots of other things too, but I've never come in for anything other than cards or to browse. But this is certainly a store that has character, and it's fun to go in even if it's just to look!

Huettenbar

This is a fun, sort of unique spot in Lincoln Square. I went there a little while ago with a group of friends, and we had a really great time. I wasn't really sure what to expect when I walked in, but was definitely pleasantly surprised.

There definitely isn't enough seating anywhere, and it does feel a little claustrophobic (I was there on a Saturday night), but I love the ambiance and feel that it's a nice change from the ordinary. They had a good beer selection, and the bartender was HILARIOUS. She kept busting out these hysterical moves...and my friends and I weren't sure if she was being serious or just having a good time. Either way, it was really funny.

I would come back here for a drink; but maybe not on a weekend night. It is certainly worth a try though!

Blue Stem Martini Lounge

Oh my gosh. This place is insane. But awesome.

A group of friends and i recently tried this place out, and honestly, these are some of, if not the best martinis that i have ever had! The woman who owns it is completely nuts, but she really can make a martini! My favorites were the blueberry martini and the blueberry/blackberry martini. It's really incredible because you cannot taste the alcohol at all.

She takes forever to make the drinks and get them to you because she does everything herself...so bring cash and expect to spend a while there when you go. But it's totally worth it.

Also, if she thinks that you are either too drunk or haven't eaten enough, she WILL make you "gourmet bread and cheese". This happened to us. She literally toasted some wonder bread and american cheese and chased us down the street with it until we accepted it. It was not good. Do not eat the "gourmet bread and cheese"!

I would definitely go back to blue stem, but i don't think that this is the kind of place you go to every weekend. Absolutely worth going to and spending the evening trying her wonderful "creations".

Opart Thai House Restaurant

This is a wonderful Thai restaurant! I order from it at least once a week. I usually switch up the entrees, but the crag rangoon is awesome, and I always get that. Their curry and pad thai are really wonderful, but I have yet to get a dish that I didn't like.

And the entrees are huge; definitely big enough to split between two people. I've dined in once, and the service was fine. I use it more as a take out kind of place, and it's perfect after a long day at work when you really don't want to cook! Absolutely try this place out if you love Thai food!

Swirlz Cupcakes

Their slogan is true. Cupcakes DO make you happy. Especially the ones from here. These cupcakes are AWESOME.

I was first introduced to Swirlz a little over a year ago and have been back many times. They are a little bit pricey, but worth it for a treat. My favorite cupcake ever was the chocolate passionfruit cupcake. Other dynamite flavors include: gingerbread, eggnog, red velvet, carrot, white chocolate raspberry, banana nutella, and tiramisu. I always opt to try whatever the newest flavor is, and have never been disappointed.

Something unique about these cupcakes is that they put a ganache in between the frosting and the actual cupcake itself, so you get an extra burst of flavor. Clearly a lot of thought and work goes into these cupcakes, and I highly recommend Swirlz to anyone with even a hint of a sweet tooth.

Julius Meinl

This is a fun place to go to brunch on the weekends!

I've been to both locations several times now, and definitely consider it to be a staple for brunch in Chicago. I love the extensive tea list; there's something for everyone in there. I also have tried their coffee drink of the month a few times and if you're up for a sweet and weird coffee then it's worth it!

As far as the food is concerned, it's really pretty stellar. It's fun to order a few things and share, like the brioche french toast, the baked eggs (the tomato, basil and goat cheese is my favorite), and a sandwich. I also love the pastries here (from the croissants to the cupcakes...), so that is fun to add to the mix as well.

The service is iffy...sometimes great and sometimes not, but this is a fun place to spend a weekend morning!

A Taste of Heaven

I recently came here for brunch with a friend and had a great experience, and I've been here a few times.

I love the way this place feels like a small little restaurant without feeling cramped. I also really like how it is decorated, making you feel at home.

The food is amazing here! I got the Katie Cakes, which were delicious. My friend got the Breakfast Casserole, which were also incredible. Even though I was completely stuffed, I got some cupcakes to go to bring back to my roommates. We had the orange creamsicle, boston creme pie, and moon pie cupcakes. All three were wonderful!

Each time I've come here, I've really enjoyed my experience, and I know that my friends who have joined me have felt the same way! Definitely worth going to if you're going to be in the Andersonville neighborhood.

Rockwell's Neighborhood Grill

I love the Rockwell Grill!

I live in the area, so this is one of my favorite "go-to" places to dine. I love the location, and I really appreciate that this place doesn't try to be something it's not. Come here for a burger or a salad, or brunch on the weekend, and I promise you won't be disappointed. The service is always great, whether or not you come at a peak dining time. All of the servers are friendly and set a great tone. And the price is right, with tax and tip I rarely spend more than $10-$12.

My favorite dishes are the BBQ Chicken Sandwich, the Southwest Chicken Sandwich, and the Southwest Veggie Salad. Most meals come with a side, and I recommend skipping the fries and getting the pasta salad.

If you come in for brunch, I highly recommend the Bourbon Street Tacos. I usually opt for the sweeter brunch dishes, but these are crazy good. If you're in the mood for good, unpretentious American food, this is the place to go!

Garcia's Restaurant

If you want a delicoius burrito and a great margherita, then this is your place!

For being quite inexpensive, Garcia's makes great food. The burritos are literally the size of a human head, and every single time I've ordered one, it has tasted awesome. The taco salad is also really good. They make really really great margheritas (that are also realllly strong!). The chips that they make themselves are also really good, and they will refill them multiple times so it's hard to not fill up on those!

So if you need a cheap but yummy dinner and are in the mood for Mexican, I defintiely recommend Garcia's!

Francesca's Collections

LOVE this store.

It's kind of an unassuming store right on Maple, across from the movie theater. I walked in sort of by accident with my mom and sister one day, and I am so glad that I did! They have the cutest clothes, and they are priced just right. You'd expect little boutiques like this to be grossly overpriced, but surprisingly, it's pretty reasonable. Plus, they give student discounts.

The shoes and accessories are great too. I had flats that survived a 9 hour dancing/staging rehearsal and are still wearable. I love the jewelry as well.

Some of my favorite clothes are from Francesca's. I highly recommend this boutique to anyone.

Uber Burger

The new Uber Burger breaks my heart.

When it first opened, it was the best place to get burgers. What could be better than a turkey burger with pepper jack cheese, chipotle ketchup, and a side of fried pickles (or fries if the thought of fried pickles makes you unhappy)? And the price was right. It was a fulfilling, delicious and inexpensive meal.

Unfortunately, this place is under new ownership and management, and quite frankly, it's no longer worth it. My friends and I tried it as soon as it "re-opened" and it's just not the same. It's not TERRIBLE, but it's not really good either.

Trattoria D.O.C.

This is a charming and wonderful place to eat in South Evanston.

I've been here several times, and I've always been really happy with my meal and the overall experience. First of all, I like the decor. It's lovely without being in your face, and is a great place to bring friends to. The servers are all really really nice and helpful and I've always felt taken care of when I dine there.

The food is wonderful! I've loved every pasta that I have tried. I think they must make their own pasta on site because it always is so fresh. I also love trying their Bruscetta! The wine list is great too.

Overall, I would definitely recommend this place to anyone who loves some good Italian food!

The Celtic Knot

This is one of the only places that you can go to in Evanston that is open past 11 pm. It's a very unassuming and simple place, but it's a decent choice for "late-night" fun times in Evanston.

That said, I really enjoy the drinks here. I usually try to mix it up, but I do love the Magner's. If you're going to get food, I highly recommend the french fries with curry sauce, the cupcake of the month, and the bread pudding. The salad with goat cheese is also wonderful.

If you're looking for a good, cold-weather place to go, the Knot is a great choice.

Olive Mountain

This is an amazing restaurant!

My friends and I stumbled upon this place by accident a few years ago, and it quickly became a staple for a lunch place. I love everything that I have had here: the falafel, the babaganouj, the lentil soup, the grape leaves, the schwarma, etc. Honestly all of their food is delicious and a real deal price-wise.

Their service is also wonderful. I'm not sure what his name is, but I think he also manages or owns Olive Mountain, is such a nice man. He'd always recognize us and be super friendly. And, they are also really cool about separate checks or dividing amongst multiple credit cards. Definitely check this place out!

Golden Olympic Restaurant

I grew up in the suburbs of New York City, where there is a diner in every town. When I moved to Chicago, something that was immediately missing from my life was a typical diner. The Golden Olympic was that place for me, restoring my need to have greasy fries and a milkshake at my disposal.

Seriously, this place is amazing. I've been a bunch of times, and have never been let down. When you sit down to order, think about ordering a phosphate to drink, (particularly the strawberry flavored). My favorite thing to order is the Monte Cristo. I mean, what's better than a delicious turkey sandwich? A delicious turkey sandwich with FRENCH TOAST FOR BREAD. It's SOOO good. I also recommend the grilled cheese.

If you're looking for a diner-figure in your life, this is the place to go.

Blind Faith Cafe

I am neither vegetarian nor vegan but I love this place so much.

The first time I came here, I was moving into the area for grad school. A friend had recommended this place for brunch, so my parents and I tried it out. WOW. I loved every bite of the meal that I had.

The thing is, the food is complex and delicious and leaves you wanting for nothing. My favorite thing to order is the French Toast Flambe. It is covered with fruit and deliciousness. I crave the french toast flambe and wish that I only could get up to Evanston more often to dine there.

The service is good, and the restaurant is set up very nicely. You don't feel cramped. Also, on your way out, grab a pastry...their cupcakes are fantastic!

Contact Lens World

This is absolutely my go-to eye doctor.

Dr. Fostiak is wonderful. She is kind and warm and an excellent doctor. I've seen her a few times now, over two years, and I am more than pleased with my eye care. She gets to know each of her patients and then performs a very thorough and inexpensive exam. She gets your contacts to you within a week, and will even mail them if you can't make it back up to Evanston. I would recommend her to anyone needing an eye exam or contacts.

Le Peep

Le Peep, for some reason, was a place I went to over and over and over again while I was at grad school at Northwestern. This place is pretty meh, and is waaaaay overpriced for what you get.

When you walk in (at peak times for breakfast or brunch), the waiting area is usually way overcrowded. Fortunately, there are a lot of tables, so usually the wait isn't too bad. The service is ok, not great but not bad.

One of my favorite foods in the world is french toast, and only seldom do I actually get french toast that is all the way cooked through. Oh yes....their french toast is actually gooey. EW! The pancakes are ok (banana walnut being the best), but for what you pay, I'd say skip Le Peep and go somewhere else.

Merle's BBQ

YUM!

This place has AWESOME barbeque! I came here with a group of friends for dinner and it was completely delicious. We sat in a booth so that we weren't crowded...and good thing because the portions are HUGE! Honestly, I don't ever think I could eat an entire meal from there. I got the pulled pork sandwich and it was heaven.

Not a huge fan of the decor, but I guess it's appropriate for what it is. The service was fine too. Definitely come here if you're craving some BBQ...

JK Sweets

OK.

JK Sweets is kind of terrifying. In an awesome kind of way. It's not really clean, the food definitely isn't the freshest...But sometimes you just NEED french fries, and everything else is closed. Their french fries are awesome. And the ice cream is great too! It's really inexpensive too, so if you need food, late night, this is a great place to go.

Gio

Gio is a wonderful place to grab a great Italian meal in Evanston.

I like the way the restaurant is set up...it feels like you have plenty of space around you to enjoy your meal. The food is wonderful. I've loved all of the pasta dishes that I have tried, and really enjoy their ristotto. For what you get, I think it's pretty reasonably priced.

The service is wonderful too. You really feel like you are taken care of when you dine here! I'd absolutely recommend coming here. A great place to bring visiting family if you're a student at NU.

Globe Cafe and Bar

OK. There is one thing I love about Globe and one thing that I hate. Unfortunately, the bad outweighs the good in this situation.

I went to grad school at Northwestern, and on Friday nights my class would meet for $5 martini night. The martinis that they make are awesome and a great deal! The only problem was that the waitress we always had was SOOO rude and had a terrible attitude. The bar was always empty when we'd go, yet she was always "too busy" to help us.

We also made this our spot to go after a show for dinner...and would walk in with a large party. Again, the restaurant and bar area would be empty, but they gave us grief for not calling in. There are SO many restaurants in Evanston that we could have chosen from, and they were giving us attitude about picking them! I'd understand if they were busy, but they weren't so I just don't understand this.

The food is ok, not great, and I'm not sure the martinis are worth it to be treated the way their staff treats you.

Cozy Noodles in Evanston

This is such a fun place to grab a quick meal in Evanston. You walk in an immediately are struck by their crazy decor. It's kind of awesome. There are license plates from every state on the wall, hundreds of pez dispensers on shelves, lunch boxes, and many other knicknacks across the restaurant.

The food is good...not the best Thai that I've had in the Chicago area, but it's not bad either. The service is usually fine, not great. I opt for a variation of one of their curries, which never disappoints, and their pad thai is great too.

The only bad thing is that I usually end up here with a group and they won't split up the check, so make sure you bring cash with you! Also, it is BYOB so that's always a nice option to have!

Tapas Barcelona

This is one of my favorite restaurants ever. I LOVE this place. I started coming here three years ago, and I still make the trip up as much as I can.

I think that the ambiance is great. It's always going but never overwhelming or cramped. The service is great and the food is to die for.

My favorite things to order (and that I make sure to each time) are the Bacon Wrapped Dates and the Goat Cheese and Tomato dip. I also love the Pisto Manchego and Olives stuffed with Chorizo. They always have great specials, and I've never gone wrong ordering any of the seafood dishes (the Calamari is excellent). I'm constantly amazed at the value of this place too, because you are more than full and get to try many dishes for probably around $20.

The Sangria is delicious, and for dessert, the Pear with White Chocolate and Raspberry Sauce is awesome. The flan is great too.

I highly recommend this place to anyone, because of the extensive menu and great value!

Bennison's Bakery

I thought it would be appropriate to start my review postings with something near and dear to my heart: baked goods, primarily cupcakes. This was one of my favorite places to go in graduate school to grab a delicious red velvet cupcake. I highly recommend Bennison's to all lovers of sweets.



Three words: RED VELVET CUPCAKES.

I LOVE this bakery! Located right in the heart of Evanston, this place is truly a gem. For less than $3 you get a HUGE and unbelievably delicious cupcake. The red velvet is my favorite but the carrot and other flavors are fantastic too. The cake is always perfectly moist and the cream cheese icing is to die for. I've had sheet cakes made from the red velvets here, and those are equally as satisfying.

I also love their angry face cookies. Sometimes after a bad day, you don't want a smiley face, and the angry faced ones are delicious.

Every single time I've been in here (which is more often than I'd like to admit), the staff has been friendly and competent. Bennison's is just a happy place, and all cake enthusiasts in the Chicago area should check it out.

My Reviewing Obsession

So, I have recently decided that I love to review everything in Chicago. Restaurants, Doctors, Clothing Stores, Cafes, you name it. I've lived in Chicagoland for three years now, and still feel there is much exploring to do. I think that living in a city as diverse and exciting as this one almost requires that you go beyond your neighborhood, your favorite bars, your favorite boutiques. I love to write about my experiences, whether they be positive or negative. I hope you enjoy my small anecdotes!