The shore of Lake Michigan is no Costa del Sol, but Chicago’s efforts to make the best of it are praiseworthy. We’ve even got lakefront businesses that open just for the season, promising summer bliss. Here we size up two venues — and the crowds that love them — that take their seasonal licenses very seriously.
FACE-OFF
Oak Street Beachstro
1001 N. Lake Shore Drive312-915-4100
1603 N. Lake Shore Drive773-281-1200
vs
Castaways at North Avenue Beach
1001 N. Lake Shore Drive312-915-4100
1603 N. Lake Shore Drive773-281-1200
THE SETTING
Beachstro: Catch this setup May through October where Lake Shore Drive bends just south of Oak Street Beach. Owners set a convincing beachside scene, trucking in palms, deck chairs and dozens of umbrellas. If you focus, you can almost hear the lapping of the lake over rush hour traffic.
Castaways: The centerpiece of sprawling North Avenue Beach, this seasonal fave is perched atop a faux ferry a few yards from the sand volleyball courts. No palm trees here, but it doesn’t get more authentic than chilling out on a poop deck. Open Memorial Day through mid-September.
the crowd
Beachstro: Walking distance to the Mag Mile means plenty of tourist families swing by for the gee-whiz factor. On a recent night, nice folks from all over swarmed like wildebeests to the nearest oasis. That said, younger locals do pepper the crowd.
Castaways: They’re there to pump you up, or at least to show that your gym membership is totally worth it. Tans, wrap-around shades, muscle shirts and flip-flops are standard issue, but we did spy a few prepsters sporting aviators and popped collars.
the drinks
Beachstro: Colorful daiquiris (left), margaritas, mimosas and mojitos go for around $10 a pop, but most opt for bottles of beer or wine. (Erroneous material as published at this point has been deleted from this text.)
Castaways: Beer in cups and tallboy cans are competitively priced at $5 or less. Cocktails have names like Lake Breeze and Castaway’s Iced Tea (right) and come with descriptions ending in double exclamation points!! And for athletes: Gatorade.
the food
Beachstro: Seafood appetizers like steamed mussels and coconut shrimp are popular starters ($7-$17). Sandwiches ($9-$18) are among the most-ordered items, but a dinner menu also offers pastas, steak and seafood entrees ($14-$33).
Castaways: The menu is big, but limited to grilled sandwiches, wraps and salads ($6-$9). Seafood is scarce for a restaurant that looks like a ship; popcorn shrimp and fish-and-chips are the lone seafarers on a menu loaded with nautical references.
the view
Beachstro: All tables face the lake, so views of the attractive cityscape are scant. Weekends bring terrific people watching when sunbathers and cyclists are out in force. Heading to the Air and Water Show in August? Packages are steep, but there’s no better seat in town.
Castaways: Hands down, one of the finest. The high vantage point and 360-degree vista mean lots of lake, skyline and beach. Too bad you won’t be able to peel your attention away from the crowd.
the entertainment
Beachstro: You won’t find indie jam bands here, but there’s a special event booked every month this summer, including a big band night, a Hawaiian luau and a clam bake. Expect live entertainment at each.
Castaways: More than 30 bands are booked for daily performances between now and September. Notables include Elevation and Cat Fight. There’s no cover, and you won’t get strong-armed into ordering food if you’re just there to drink.
the pickup scene
Beachstro: On a typical evening, this isn’t a hotspot for younger crowds — but the monthly events attract an older singles scene. Weekends see a hodgepodge of tourists and beachcombers in need of refreshment, so it’s anyone’s guess what might wash up.
Castaways: Was this thing a trawling boat in its previous life? Crowds cast a wide net here, so be prepared for the onslaught. And, really, who can resist when your third Tequila Sunrise arrives just as the band hits its groove with “Pour Some Sugar on Me?”
The ‘Do You Buy-It?’ Factor
Beachstro: It’s a tough sell as a high-end beachside restaurant, what with the $7 hot dogs and all. But as far as ambiance goes, the palm trees and roped deck walks are appealing enough to justify having to order waffle fries with your cocktails.
Castaways: Detractors might cite poor service and cheesy crowds, but reasonably priced beer (and Gatorade!) and way more than enough to look at mean this place could give Cancun a run for its money.
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metromix@tribune.com
