Hmmm - need Outdoor seating for 5-7 People in Bucktown/Wicker Park
And.... vegetarians (FISH OK) are in the mix. And... we like it to be closer to the Damen Blue line area since half are coming from downtown from work and would like to be able to take the Damen bus home to the northside. And.... it needs to be ok with us chatting for a while. And... just to make thing more fun: BYOB would be helpful
BUT: Outdoor seating is the most important thing as that is what the guest of honor has requested. We haven't seen each other in a while and it will my last chance with the intact group of girls since I'm moving soon.
Big Star is out becuase I was there last Tuesday and waited for over an hour for 2 people. Piece is indoors only. Belly Shack is out because I think it might be too rushed for our needs.
And, that my friend, .is the end of my expertise in that area.
What am I missing? Oh - this is for tomorrow.
By lbs
on Aug 16, 2011 01:01 PM
View »
Take a look at Handlebar - http://handlebarchicago.com/
Permalink | Reply
Thanks Twine! That is the front-runner now. It is between the Southern, The Division Street Ale House and Handlebar. Will report back.
Permalink | Reply
YES Handlebar...I lived in Chicago for almost 5 years, and while I am not a vegetarian this is definitely my favorite restaurant in the city...their patio is splendid as well
Permalink | Reply
It isn't BYO but Enoteca Roma has a large back patio. Food is decent, maybe $1-2 more per plate than what I'd expect but the wine is well-priced. Service is slow, but that may work for you and your group. But, again, huge back patio (with some seating out front, as well).
)(website appears down at the moment, but it should be www.enotecaroma.com
It's closer to the California stop, but Irazu is BYO. The menu isn't the friendliest for vegetarians but their vegetarian burrito is really, really good (add the spinach). After work, I don't think it would be that crowded.
http://irazuchicago.com/
Not quite as far as Handlebar is Birchwood Kitchen. I think their menu is mostly limited to sandwiches, though there are usually non-sandwich options available as specials, too. They have a decent-sized back patio and I think are BYO (I would call to confirm on that point).
http://www.birchwoodkitchen.com/
Permalink | Reply
Quick follow-up since I hate post and runs....
We ended up at the Handlebar and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Very easy walk from the Damen Blue Line. You could take the North Ave bus from Damen in bad weather but on a nice summery day, it was a pleasant walk. The outdoor beer garden is about the size of a larger backyard but nicely spaced out. I didn't feel crowded against other tables and I didn't feel like our larger group talk was interfering with the smaller tables.
We ordered the fried dill pickles with the house made vegan ranch dressing as a starter. I didn't really care for the breading but the dressing was really tangy. I then ordered an appetizer that was a special for dinner - black bean quesadillas with goat cheese on whole-wheat tortillas. It came with a little side of spinach and pickled red onions. The quesadilla was spicier than I anticipated - the guacamole based sauce drizzled on top has a lot of bite to it. But since I like spicy food, it was a pleasant surprise. Plus with black beans as your base, you need something to punch it up. I ate everything on my plate.
Other things ordered: fish tacos - liked by the person. Grilled cheese - very cheesy and she said that the bread was perfectly toasted. So many grilled cheese at places are limp. Buffalo "chicken" wrap - I tried some and I would get this next time. The "chicken" is actually breaded seitan and they aren't trying to replicate the chicken taste but rather just replacing the chicken with the seitan. I hate fake tasting "fake meat". (Yeah, I know how that sounds!) but this was more of a vehicle for the sauce. It sounds stupid but I liked it. Samosas and black bean tostadas rounded out the entrees with fries and smoked gouda mac n' cheese as sides. Those were devoured.
I would go back again if I were in the neighborhood. I wouldn't necessarily seek it out because I live in Lincoln Square and it is a P.I.T.A. to get there on public transportation if not coming from downtown off the Blue line (obviously my opinion only). But if someone were to ask me for a good, casual meal in that area I wouldn't hesitate to recommend. I would love having a good veggie option that isn't all frou-frou organic like this in my neighborhood!
PS: Daniamalarkley - thank you for your suggestions. I saw those after I threw out the Handlebar option but I will take note for next time we all meet up.
Permalink | Reply