We’re not quite sure what this spot is really about and, honestly, it doesn’t seem like the owners know either. One flier billed the place as “A unique piano lounge” while another calls it “A sports bar like no other.” Right. Still, we thought it was worth investigating.
Inside: The folks behind Bar Celona and SoPo have really gussied up the former Club 950 space. Beaded curtains and pub tables split the space into two rooms, each with its own bar. Expect exposed brick walls, 15 plasma screens and Tiffany-style chandeliers throughout. The walls are trimmed with dark wood paneling and, oddly enough, what looks like bathroom tiles.
On one side, the bar gently curves to accommodate a baby grand. Behind the piano, tucked along the back wall, are four U-shaped booths. One can easily accommodate you and a dozen friends. On the other side, a dark oak bar lined by high-backed stools is backed by a wall of amber and mocha marble. By the bathrooms, you’ll find kitschy vending machines like the type outside the grocery store or K-Mart: For two quarters, get toys, jawbreakers or, our faves, bobble-headed homies.
Crowd: Predictably Lincoln Park: Frat boys, Trixies and PYTs (Pretty Young Things). Twentysomething dudes in jeans and flip-flops flirt with cute girls in tiny tops from Bebe.
Eats: The upscale pub grub didn’t disappoint. Choose from spinach-portabella artichoke dip ($6.50), burgers ($5.50-$7.50), and entrees such as pork tenderloin ($14) or surf ‘n’ turf pasta, loaded with andouille sausage, chicken and shrimp in a Cajun cream sauce ($15).
Drinks: Budget-friendly bevs include $4 beers (everything from Stella Artois to Miller Light), wines ($5-$6) and a long martini list ($6), with choices like the Sunset martini, a mix of mango liqueur, Skyy Vanilla vodka, triple sec and pineapple juice.
Service: Outstanding. Our perky and very attentive waitress knew the menu inside and out. Drink service was prompt and busboys swooped down to clear the table the second a glass was dry. At the bar, service was also superb: If there was a wait for a drink, it was brief.
Sounds: Expect cool downtempo beats in between 20-minute sets of Elton John, Maroon 5 and more from the piano man Tuesdays through Saturdays. This guy really knows his stuff, but it’s a little hard to hear him over the whooping frat boys.
Bottom line: Owners are trying way too hard to be everything to everybody, but the outstanding grub and affordable drinks give it potential. Now they just have to find a way for the piano bar enthusiasts to cohabitate with the jocks craving a sports fix.
The Grand Central
950 W. Wrightwood Ave.
773-832-4000
