dinner tonight - near mag mile or loop

[leland]

Hi all,

Friend in town on business staying in the middle of the mag mile and I need to find a place for dinner. Location is preferably walking distance from the mag mile or in the loop. Budget is very moderate as I don't think there is an expense account. I also have a few other big things this week and this was not budgeted in for me.

Is there anything halfway interesting around those parts? I'm not particular interested in going to the weber grill or unos just to provide some tourist attraction.

Would really appreciate the help in finding a reasonable and good place to eat around those parts.

Thanks!

L

[nsxtasy]

I guess it really comes down to what you consider "reasonable price" and good.

Coco Pazzo Cafe has entrees in the $15-20 range, and so does Volare. Both are walking distance.
www.cocopazzocafe.com
www.volarerestaurant.com

In another topic today, someone mentioned Sayat Nova for Middle Eastern food. Maybe that would fit your needs? It's walking distance. Entrees mostly $13-16. www.sayatnovachicago.com

Ben Pao has Chinese in the same price range, also walking distance. www.benpao.com

If that's too much, then you're looking at maybe pizza (e.g. Giordano's www.giordanos.com or Gino's East www.ginoseast.com ) or something ethnic, like maybe Thai (Dao Thai, Big Bowl) or Indian (India House, Indian Garden). Or burgers at the Billy Goat or Boston Blackie's. None of these are fancy, but they're not expensive either.

All of these are an easy walk from the middle of Michigan Avenue.

[twodales]

Perhaps Bandera is what you want? Good steaks, rotisserie chicken, grilled fish etc. Good service and not overly expensive. Do try their cornbread ...and maybe their queso dip.

Bandera
535 N. Michigan Ave.
312-644-3524

[jesteinf]

I'll second, third, fourth (whatever) Avec. It's a short cab ride from the Loop (or you could walk since it's nice out depending on where you are). Prices are certainly reasonable given the quality of the food (way better than Greektown, and honestly not that much more expensive).

[wak]

Quartinos might fit the bill. Italian. Dozens of options served in mid-sizexd portions for sharing. Most in the $8-15 range. Lots of wine by the glass. 626 N State.

Here's a review: http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/di...

[jesteinf]

This is also a good call.

[Frosty Melon]

Quartino's was recommended to a friend visiting on another board. He liked it so much he went both nights he was in town.

[nsxtasy]

Avec isn't in the area in question. It's in the West Loop, and you'll need to take a cab. The communal tables there may or may not appeal to you. And it's also not exactly moderate in price (although it's a good value, with entrees $15-20). You can do better, either by going to a similar priced place in your immediate vicinity, or by going to a less expensive place by cab.

In the Michigan Avenue area, Coco Pazzo Cafe serves excellent Italian food for about the same price as Avec. www.cocopazzocafe.com

If you're going to take a cab, and you want someplace that's inexpensive, you're probably better off going to Greek Town. See this topic for recommendations:
www.chowhound.com/topics/119233

You'll find a bunch of recommendations for "cheap eats" in the Michigan Avenue area just north of the river in this topic:
www.chowhound.com/topics/387291

[rubinow]

I misread. I thought it said walking distance from in the loop (I walk that distance from the Loop almost every day and it only takes about 15 minutes).

That said, Greek Town is not in the area either. It's further away. If you are going to Greektown, though, I suggest Venus because it specializes in Cypriot cuisine which is similar to Greek, but rarer to find. Venus is very good, too.

And the OP didn't say "cheap." He said "moderate." Avec is moderate (and worth the price).

[pugsley]

While Avec charges $15-$20 for an "entree" you will be getting a small portion of food. When I was there I got the roasted pork shoulder, and while it is one of the bigger entrees I was far from full. My friend got this entree that featured blue cheese and prosciutto, and while it was very delicious he was still hungry afterward - and he ordered a small plate to begin his meal.

[rubinow]

I really like Avec, but it really depends on what you want. Avec is more than halfway interesting, though.

http://www.avecrestaurant.com/

[OliThor]

I second that opinion. Avec shares its kitchen with the somewhat better known restaurant Blackbird. It is a bit too hip and noisy for my taste but the food is very good. I recommend the marinated hangar steak as well as the roasted pork shoulder.