Whether it’s the love grandma puts into her figure-threatening dishes or some fancified restaurant version that really gets you going, comfort food is darn satisfying. Happily, bars have taken note this fall, putting unique twists on that king of comfort foods, mac and cheese. Take a bite of these finger-friendly preparations.
Gaslight Bar & Grille
2426 N. Racine Ave. 773-929-7759
This DePaul-area corner bar oozes neighborhood charm, from the flickering lamp above the entrance to the hearty pub fare on the menu. Exhibit A: the football-season-only mac and cheese wedges ($5), half a dozen elbow-and-cheddar triangles, battered and deep fried. Add full-cream ranch dressing for dipping and you enter treacherous food-coma territory. You have to wait until week’s end to get your fix — these beauts are available Saturdays and Sundays only.
MCM Pub and Eatery
3906 N. Cicero Ave. 773-736-2644
Portage Park is loaded with neighborhood bars and restaurants, but this mahogany-trimmed upscale grill edges out the competition when it comes to comfort. Megan’s Mac and Cheese Bites ($3.95) arrive as a heap of golden brown, cheesy triangles; sides of fries and coleslaw make it meal. Bonus: The bar stocks 75-plus bottles of beer to help wash all that cheesy goodness down.
Lucky Strike Lanes
322 E. Illinois St. 312-245-8331
As bowling destinations go, this Streeterville spot has a lot going for it: a handsome interior, five cozy fireplaces, a decent wine selection and one of the best movie theaters in town as a neighbor. Add cold-weather comfort in the form of crunchy, deep-fried macaroni and cheese balls ($7.50) with marinara sauce for dipping, and you’ll find yourself wondering if catching that 9 p.m. show next door is really necessary.
Martini Park
151 W. Erie St. 312-640-0577
Most weeknights, this sprawling River North newcomer brims with professionals jostling for after-work drinks — and the long happy hour here means food has to go beyond usual bar fodder. The Mac and Cheese Stix ($7.95) meet the challenge, packing elbow macaroni, smoked gouda, aged white cheddar, ham and chives into a crispy crust. A dip in white truffle sauce raises the collective appetizer bar.
Bourbon on Lincoln
3244 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-880-9520
Lakeview has a direct line to the home of comfort as we know it — the South — at this whiskey bar and grill. Nestled among options such as fried green tomatoes and andouille-stuffed jalapenos, you’ll find fried mac and cheese bites ($7). The generous appetizer features thick squares of floured and flash-fried mac and cheese topped with super-chunky tomato sauce. Our suggestion? Snag an order alongside something from the 40-plus bourbon list and get ready for the long, cold nights ahead.
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Try these
traditional faves
Stanley’s Kitchen and Tap
1970 N. Lincoln Ave. 312-642-0007
Part bar, part restaurant, part live music venue, this Lincoln Park staple is about as appealing as it gets when it comes to winning combos. Ditto the legendary macaroni and cheese during the weekend brunch buffet ($10.95). The heaping pans emerge with a dense baked cap and a creamy, sharp interior. Thank goodness for second (and third) helpings.
Handlebar
2311 W. North Ave. 773-384-9546
The mac and cheese side ($3.50) at this vegetarian-friendly Wicker Park spot is straightforward, but for one notable exception: the smoky gouda. The cheese sauce is rich and creamy, and the dish isn’t baked, so there’s no crust to tangle with.
Kuma’s Corner
2900 W. Belmont Ave. 773-604-8769
This oft-overlooked corner grill does comfort food right, starting with a daunting proposition: make your own mac ‘n’ cheese ($10 for two ingredients, $1 each additional ingredient). Choose from enticing add-ins including thick bacon, sweet corn, mushrooms, andouille and caramelized onions. The generous crock gets mixed to order and baked off to create a crispy, molten crust.
— Fred Schlatter
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metromix@tribune.com
