Swirl Wine Bar
111 W. HUBBARD ST. 312-828-9000
Our take: Probably not the place for serious oenophiles, but this River North spot certainly satisfies when it comes to providing a comfy atmosphere, light nibbles and a user-friendly (and affordable) approach to wine.
Your take: “Classy, hip place that focuses on doing things right instead of trying too hard to be cool. Wine recommendation was perfect; so was the price. Love the smoke-free policy. Music was a little too loud to talk comfortably, but they obligingly and immediately lowered the volume upon request.” –JESSICA
“Great wine, music and atmosphere. I was quite surprised. Great use of the space they have available. Glad to see this type of place take the place of Minx.” –ERIK
Pops for Champagne
601 N. STATE ST. 312-266-7677
Our take: While we miss the neighborhood intimacy of its Lakeview location, this longtime Chicago fave provides more than just the best bubbly list in town in its new sophisticated River North digs. The small plate menu also delights.
Your take: “Wow! This place is marvelous. My wife and I were greeted at the door with a smile, sat quickly and drank a wonderful bottle of champagne. The bartender was so helpful, and the food was great.” –DAVIES
“This new spot is white hot and has an interesting element to it. The upstairs lounge is swank … downstairs is a pimped-out jazz club/bar with fiber-optic lighting and real-stone decor. The service we got was fine and the champagne/appetizers were both excellent.” –ROB
“I loved the new location. I recommend valet–it’s cheaper than most of the garages. The food is out of this world. The downstairs jazz bar is great. . . . I look forward to making this one of my new places.” –AVMISTER
Broadway Cellars
5900 N. BROADWAY. 773-944-1208
Our take: Sonoma Valley in Edgewater? No, not really. But we admire the marriage of seasonally inspired fare with a nice-priced wine program, which includes build-your-own flights.
Your take: “Can’t say enough about this place! I was pleasantly surprised by the charming atmosphere, friendly service and amazing food. I highly recommend the duck lasagna. Other members of my party had a coffee-rubbed pork tenderloin (that they raved about), three-cheese ravioli and a super-tender lamb shank. The waiters were so knowledgeable about the wine selection, we felt like we were in Napa.” –S1MPL3
“The food was well prepared and flavorful, not to mention the value. Our waiter was knowledgeable with all the wines and dishes on the menu.” –LTRAN
“I can’t wait for this place to work out the kinks. … Nice wine selection and good prices, and the featured flights are a good value. Food has been better in print than in execution, and the service is trying but also not quite getting there.” –EAD & JS
Cru Cafe and Wine Bar
25 E. DELAWARE PL. 312-337-4001
Our take: After a nine-month renovation that tripled its size, this elegantly casual Gold Coast spot hasn’t missed a step. The well-organized wine list is approachable, but still interesting enough for more sophisticated sippers. Consulting chef Dale Levitski supplies his usual deft touch with a menu of bistro fare.
Your take: “A bit of a letdown from the old Cru. The seating is terrible, for one. The laminate tables remind me of a college rec center, and to finish the bar in a laminate looks totally tacky. The wine selection is nice, as usual, and the food is of the same quality as before. The seating arrangements are a bit odd, and the service is slow and inexperienced.” –FOODIE GIRL
“We had a great time. This place is cozy and an awesome place to grab drinks and a bite to eat after work or shopping. No valet parking though–that’s a problem.” –CHICAGOAN
“Without a doubt, one of the hidden treasures of the city; the wine selections are excellent. The quaint atmosphere coupled with delicious, light entrees make this one of my favorite Gold Coast stops.” –KN
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[COMPILED FROM READER REVIEWS POSTED AT METROMIX.COM]METROMIX@TRIBUNE.COM
