After an exploratory girl’s weekend, I was finally introduced to some remarkable restaurants/joints that are worth checking out if visiting Chicago and absolutely worth going back to if residing in Chicago.
1. Lark:
Located at 3441 N. Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657
So, after watching the 2016 Santa run in which a bunch of guys run a mile in only speedos, my aunts, a few friends, and I grabbed a bite to eat and a few drinks at Larks. Larks atmosphere was totally laid back, the staff was phenomenal, the drinks were great, and they played some impressive music. I can really appreciate the oven baked pizzas that we received because they tasted wonderful and did not feel like a million pounds laying in your stomach after eating only one slice. The greatest part about this spot positively the atmosphere, though. The surrounding is so cozy and it was a blast socializing with family and friends in there.
2. Murphy’s Bleachers:
Located at 3655 N Sheffield Avenue, Chicago, IL 60613
Murphy’s Bleachers is a well-known sports bar in Chicago and one of several bars who participates in TBOX. For those of you who are not aware of what TBOX is do not feel bad because being from Ohio, I did not know what it was either. Ultimately, after hearing about this huge event called TBOX and doing my fair share of online research from TBOX.org, I have learned that it is an amazing event that stands for the Twelve Bars of Xmas; Chicago Bar Crawl. TBOX is the largest bar crawl in the world and is highly talked about in the Chicago and surrounding regions. Some of the profits from TBOX have been donated to local Chicago charities as well ($250,000+ to date) so the event is a total win-win scenario. Finally, Murphy’s Bleachers was a well-kept and clean sports bar with great staff service and total hospitality. The food and drinks there are exceptional but what else do you expect from a place that participates in the world’s largest bar crawl?
3.Earth’s Kitchen:
Located at 3715 North Halsted Street, Chicago, Il 60613
At first glance of this restaurant, most of the population would not expect this place to be a Japanese fusion restaurant. Earth’s Kitchen is fairly new in the Chicago region and is very modern inside. The décor inside the building kept me interested for half of the night and the food caught my attention even quicker. I had one atrocious encounter with tofu and was very skeptical to ever eating it again, but this place made my taste buds do a Japanese dance while eating their tofu. Their sushi rolls were absolutely to die for as well. Also, they let us bring our own wine into their restaurant and were absolutely cool about it so this place deserves two thumbs up.
4.The Twisted Vine:
Located at 3530 North Halsted Street, Chicago, IL 60657
The Twisted Vine was probably my favorite venue of the night but that was mainly because they had Cards Against Humanity there! What is better than tipsy women and Cards Against Humanity…I can’t think of anything. This little get together is totally adorable with their very luxurious chandeliers, well-dressed staff, and well-made alcoholic beverages. Our specific waiter was so comical and personable and that is so important when being a waiter or waitress. We were playing the horrible game for horrible people and he was laughing along with us. We had a great experience at The Twisted Vine and they even have live music every Friday and Saturday night.
5.Ann Sather Restaurant:
Located at 1147 West Granville Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660
After an eventful Saturday night, my stomach yearned for some good ole breakfast food. Conveniently enough, were my aunt lives is an Ann Sather Restaurant. As soon as I stated I was craving French toast, she referred this restaurant and my mind was set. After calling to place my order, my French toast and two sausage links were ready in under ten minutes! The staff was super friendly as soon as I strolled in this restaurant and it even had an old-fashioned diner feeling to it. Although I did not eat in the restaurant and instead took it back to the apartment, the initial smell of my food was almost breathtaking and the first bite was even better. The French toast pieces were so thick that after one I was almost full. Of course, after ordering my food and doing a little more research, they are famously known for their delectable cinnamon rolls in which I should have ordered as well.
So, if anyone is undecided on where to eat or drink, you will never have to hesitate again because these are extremely reliable joints.
After an amazing weekend of adventuring more than just downtown Chicago and more of its outskirts, I can unquestionably say that I will be revisiting these splendid Chicago spots. Overall, these places left me with a phenomenal first impression of their businesses, a full tummy, and a memorable day/night.
