While you’re hunting for a bounty of books, you might want to fill up on food, stake out some shops or just plain explore. The Printers Row area offers everything from formal to funky, at a wide range of prices. Here are some places to check out before, during or after the fair.
Food finds:
Bar Louie Restaurant, 47 W. Polk St., 312-347-0000
This friendly food joint opens early for brunch, at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. We haven’t met Louie, but we figure he’s a big fan of southwest cuisine. The plentiful menu here boasts creative appetizers and sandwiches and big burgers, many with a southwest flair.
Blackie’s, 755 S. Clark St., 312-786-1161
The sign over the door boasts “better food than most hospitals.” Not only is that doggone true, it’s a hint of the playful humor you’ll find in the atmosphere at this family-friendly place for burgers and more. A gent named Alex De Milio began it all in 1939 and four generations of his family have continued the Blackie’s tradition. In fact, his daughter Doreen manages this location. Check out the photo of her dad that hangs in the window and you’ll see the proud resemblance.
Gourmand Coffee and Teas, 728 S. Dearborn St., 312-427-2610
Are you ready for cool and casual with a touch of class? Then this is the place. Walk in and you’re immediately surrounded by comfy couches, tables filled with students, surfers (Internet, of course) and just about everyone else. Look up to see huge, handwritten menus featuring salads, sandwiches, omelets, salads, gelato and pastries extraordinaire. More than just a place to eat, Gourmand Cafe is an experience, with incredible artwork to enjoy while you munch.
Hackney’s Printers Row, 733 S. Dearborn St., 312-461-1116
You’ll find the familiar Hackney Burger and that unforgettable onion loaf at this South Loop version of the Chicago-area favorite. Old-fashioned chicken potpie and meatloaf share the spotlight with soups and salads and even delectable hot-fudge sundaes. You’ll sit on wooden chairs with bottle-green upholstered seats, with opera music in the background. Or, on a nice day, sit outside where the “music” comes from the rhythms of the city.
Kasey’s Tavern, 701 S. Dearborn St., 312-427-7992
The sign on the door warns “no cigars” but you can have plenty of fun at this old-fashioned tavern. Pizza is the only food served on the weekend, but you can play a game of pinball and shoot the breeze at the bar. By way, Kasey’s says it has “state of the art restroom facilities.” But you’ll have to check that out yourself.
Prairie Restaurant, 500 S. Dearborn St., 312-663-1143
Check into this restaurant in the Hyatt Hotel and enjoy traditional American food in the midst of historic, Prairie-style architecture. It’s also more formal and pricey than most other neighborhood finds, but again, you’re in for a pleasurable dining experience.
Printer’s Roast, Dearborn Station Galleria, 47 W. Polk St., 312-342-4794.
Sit under the skylight in the lobby of the train station-turned galleria and sip coffee, juices and tea at cute wooden tables. There also are cookies and other snacks to nibble and you’ll find that all-important ATM right near the door.
Printer’s Row Restaurant, 550 S. Dearborn St., 312-461-0780
Head here for a spot for fine dining in the neighborhood. It’s on the formal and more expensive side, with a beautiful, charming interior. In keeping with the theme of the day, you’ll find furnishings like those in a comfortable, traditional home library.
SRO Chicago, 610 S. Dearborn St., 312-360-1776
Don’t let the name fool you, there are plenty of seats in this playful restaurant, where sports memorabilia line the walls and a wide range of food fills the menu. There’s everything from burgers to falafel and chili.
Taste of Siam, 600 S. Dearborn St., 312-939-1179
If you’re looking for the exotic, you’ll find it here. There’s a great variety of Thai fare, including all the usual favorites. Prices are reasonable and the restaurant is attractive.
Trattoria Caterina, 616 S. Dearborn St, 312-939-1179
It’s a taste of Italy, where the dishes are traditional and the prices won’t break the bank. This might be a good place to discuss all the books you’ve bought and people you’ve met at the fair.
Shopping:
Animal House Pets, 630 S. Dearborn St., 312-461-9551
Printers Row is a pet-friendly zone, so you may see almost as many four-legged creatures as their two-legged counterparts. The whole family is welcome at this shop, where you can find every kind of gift imaginable for dogs, cats, birds, fish and their humans. There’s even a dog version of “Monopoly.” One of the best treats is the greeting from Fannie, the friendly pooch owned by shopkeeper Darlene Fairchild. Fairchild swears Fannie has tried out every treat and toy in the place and that they all meet with her approval.
Count It All Joy Framing and Needlework, 767 S. State St., 312-663-1756
This is one of the few shops in the city where you can find everything you need for needlepoint, cross-stitch and embroidery, from colorful threads to framing. There also are adorable buttons, beautiful beads and craft magazines. It’s a great place for gifts, too, with pretty picture frames and knick-knacks.
Printers Row Fine and Rare Books, 715 S. Dearborn St., 312-583-1800
Visits here are by appointment only, but for fun, stop and look at the amazing store window. There are numerous copies of old and rare books, including classics like “East of Eden” and “Catch-22.” There’s also a copy of Life magazine from September 1952, featuring Ernest Hemingway on the cover and a bit from his “The Old Man and the Sea.”
Redoor Pet Salon and Day Spa, 724 S. Dearborn St., 312-957-0340
You’ll get the idea as soon as you see the storefront. The “o’s” in Redoor are pawprints. Aside from grooming and other primping services, Redoor offers a nice selection of bowls, leashes, dog shampoo and fragrance. Yes, fragrance. It’s La Pooch’s “Pour Chen eau Parfum.” Ooh la la.
Sandmeyer’s Bookstore, 714 S. Dearborn St., 312-922-2104
Careful, once you enter Sandmeyer’s you won’t want to leave. Owner Ellen Sandmeyer isn’t telling tales when she calls her store a real “mom-and-pop” operation. She and husband, Ulrich, opened their door 21 years ago and even today, anytime you come in you’ll find one or both of them ready to greet you, advise on selections or just ask how you are. The Sandmeyers carry everything from bestsellers to hard-to-finds, poetry to politics, philosophy to Dr. Phil, in an airy, pretty space.
That Flower Shop, 537 S. Dearborn St., 312-341-0808
Give a gift to your sense of smell with a step into this pretty shop, brimming with beautiful fresh flowers and plants. You’ll also find unusual gifts and other keepsakes to bring home as a reminder of your Printers Row adventure.
Places to explore:
European Touch Salon and Day Spa, 47 W. Polk St.(in the Dearborn Galleria), 312-986-8230
Looking for a little pampering after a day of looking for books? You can get manicures, pedicures, facials, massages and body wraps and even a haircut at this pretty, friendly salon. And the sign in the window says “walk-ins are welcome.”
Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St., 312-747-4999
In the grand main hall, you’re greeted by photos of the current mayor as well as some of this beautiful building’s namesake. A sign invites you to “read, learn and discover,” and this is the place to do just that. Take the escalator to see the fine marble walls and floors as well as the sculptures and photographs that line each level. Check out the Children’s Library and the breathtaking Winter Garden. The latter is used for social events, but even when no one’s there it’s still magical, topped with a beautiful glass ceiling. You can look up and see the nearby Sears Tower beckoning. It’s also the pathway to the Harold Washington Exhibit Hall, archives and special collections.
