f you find yourself falling prey to burger specials more than once a week, it’s time to broaden your bar food horizons. From mango and wasabi caviar to tangy Gouda mac ‘n’ cheese, we’ve rounded up the best bar food meals and deals in town. Check out our favorites.
Base
Hard Rock Hotel’s crankin’ lounge aims high with an adventurous menu of small, shareable bites. Three to four friends can split the “sphere” ($28), a sampler of American caviar (black sturgeon, mango and wasabi) served on a bowling ball-sized piece of ice with a glow stick embedded inside for added zing. Small and savory buttermilk pancakes, grated egg whites and yolks, red onions and chives complete the dish. Not a caviar kind of person? Grab the “six pack”: four mini burgers topped with tomatoes and sprouts, served with fries and a cup of cole slaw. The whole meal comes packed inside a six-pack carrier of beer ($12). 230 N. Michigan Ave. 312-345-1000.
Ice Bar
W-Hotel Lakeshore’s recently revamped lounge offers a seafood-based menu of raw, chilled and hot selections. On the raw side: tuna and sansho (spicy Japanese seasoning) with wasabi-orange jelly ($6) and hamachi (Japanese fish similar to yellowtail tuna) with coriander and apple-soy vinaigrette ($5). We also like the fresh scallops served with seaweed salad ($5) and rock-shrimp ceviche with grilled pineapple ($8). Wash it all down with a shot of sake ($6), garnished with cucumber and sea salt. 644 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-255-4460
Allen’s – The New
American Cafe
The impressive menu of appetizers at this casual cafe changes weekly, depending on what’s fresh and in-season. Mainstays include smoked duck and bleu cheese canapes ($2.50 per piece), mushroom and brioche toast points ($5) and shrimp tempura ($5). The signature ahi tuna tartar ($12) is a popular starter and easy to split between two or more people. Call ahead to hear about weekly featured cocktail and wine specials. 217 W. Huron St. 312-587-9600.
Tuman’s
Formerly known as Tuman’s Alcohol Abuse Center, this no-longer-a-dive bar (check out the restored original milk glass ceiling, tin walls, tiger oak back bar and mahogany bar top) now serves up affordable drinks and dishes to Ukrainian Village revelers. Standout eats: spicy pork loin and Swiss cheese sandwich on wholegrain bread, served with hand-cut fries or chips ($8) and veggie nachos ($7) with cheese, refried beans, tomatoes, jalapeno pepper, lettuce, sour cream and salsa. 2159 W. Chicago Ave. 773-782-1400.
Dinky’s Tavern and Grill
This sprawling River West hang is set in a former nail factory (check out the non-operational hoisting crane above the bar). Though no-bean chilidogs ($5.95 for two) and baskets of Tater Tots with green-herb aioli and Dijon dipping sauce ($4.50) hold down the menu, more ambitious items can also be found. Our picks: warm grilled asparagus salad with goat cheese and balsamic vinaigrette ($6.50) and smoked Gouda mac ‘n’ cheese ($2.95). 669 N. Milwaukee Ave. 312-829-0003.
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The rustic antipasti menu available at the W Hotel – City Center boasts toasted ravioli with pesto dipping sauce ($7), warm fennel-crusted goat cheese with roasted garlic, pesto and crostini ($8) and grilled shrimp with white bean and grilled radicchio salad ($9). Pair dishes with a “quartino” (one-quarter of a bottle of wine or one-and-a-half glasses) for an additional $15-$17. Some favorites: Merlot, Silverado 2000 ($16) and Nero D’Avola, Arancio 2001 ($15). 172 W. Adams St. 312-917-5608.
Heads up: Watch for Brasserie Jo’s brand-new bar menu to be introduced in early April. Expect Gruyere cheese fondue, bleu cheese burgers and pommes pailles (potato straws). 59 W. Hubbard St. 312-595-0800.
