BARS
Recently opened
Tiny Lounge
4352 N. Leavitt St. 773-463-0396
Closed by the CTA Brown Line expansion several years ago, Tiny has made a comeback in a new, not-so-tiny North Center space. Flickering candlelight, blond wood-covered walls and slick modern furniture make for a downright zen cocktailing retreat. Expect a limited drink menu (with a solid beer selection and reliably delicious martinis) until February, when an expanded wine list and menu of simple, shareable small plates debut.
Toasted Ox
2470 N. Lincoln Ave. 773-697-4752
The former Lucille’s is sporting new owners, a new look and a new name. An onyx bar and Venetian plaster walls lend a slightly more Euro vibe, but this still is a low-key, jeans-and-T-shirt hang. Though a new drink menu features fancy fruit- and flower-garnished cocktails, the reliable plastic cup of beer still seems to be the beverage of choice.
The Lucky Lady
440 N. State St. 312-670-0335
The owners of Manor and RiNo are looking to snag a share of River North’s after-work market with this multiroom bar in the former Gentry on State space. Drink prices are a touch high for such a casual atmosphere ($5 for a Miller Lite?), but perhaps a roster of daily specials — debuting any day now — will help. A basement bar with a log-cabin look also recently opened for private parties and weekend overflow.
Theory
9 W. Hubbard St. 312-644-0004
Though this sports lounge leans toward the luxe side with Delirium Tremens on tap and Veuve-splashed cocktails, bartenders won’t bat an eye if you cheap out with a bottle of Bud. In the bustling front half of the bar, folks seemed more interested in loosening their ties for a round of tequila shots than watching a recent Bulls game, so if you’re serious about sports-watching, opt for one of the TV-outfitted booths in back.
Opening this week
Bull & Bear
431 N. Wells St. 312-527-5973
This much-hyped (and much-delayed) stock market-themed sports bar from the owners of Stone Lotus finally debuts Thursday. Besides the expected trappings of an “upscale sports bar” (Sumptuous leather booths! Gruyere-topped kobe burgers! Flat screens everywhere!), the real attention-grabbers are the five oversized booths outfitted with pay-by-the-ounce beer taps. Make your reservations ($500 minimum) now; when the tables aren’t booked, it’s first-come, first-served. Check metromix.com for details on the bar’s grand-opening bashes Thursday and Friday.
Faith & Whiskey
1365 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-248-9119
Here’s a thought: Perhaps all we need to get through this recession is a little faith and whiskey. At this new rock bar in the former Ta’Too space, the namesake spirit takes center stagein shots andspecialty cocktails. Look for shadowboxed guitars and photos of liquor-swigging rock stars on the walls, plus a rock playlist pumping through the speakers and DJs mashing up rock and hip-hop on weekend nights.
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lmarnett@tribune.com
DINING
Opening this weekend
Terragusto
340 W. Armitage Ave. 773-248-2777 Theo and Meghan Gilbert, the husband-and-wife team behind Roscoe Village foodie fave Terragusto, are opening a second location in Lincoln Park on Friday. Like the Addison Street location, the compact Italian menu will change seasonally to highlight all things organic, sustainable, local and handcrafted, including handmade pasta. Though the original Terragusto is BYOB, this location will serve wine, beer and signature cocktails. BYOB, with a corkage fee, will be an option too.
Tocco
1266 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-687-8895This rustic Italian spot in Wicker Park is also set to open Friday. Though Tocco will have an arty focus similar to co-owner Bruno Abate’s Fulton Market spot, Follia, the menu here will be a bit easier on the wallet, with entrees topping out at $20. Look for wood-fired pizzas with gourmet toppings like goat cheese and black truffles and a wine-friendly lineup of appetizers, pastas and entrees such as prosciutto, mozzarella and pomodoro-stuffed calzones.
Recently opened
Chicago Curry House
899 S. Plymouth Ct. 312-362-9999 Your commute for Nepalese food just got considerably shorter with the arrival of this South Loop restaurant, a sister spot to Highwood’s Curry Hut. If you’re unfamiliar with Nepalese specialties, traditional stewed dishes like aloo tama bido (spiced potatoes, bamboo shoots and black-eyed peas) are a good place to start. Chicago Curry House also is possibly the only place in town where you can get momo (above), tasty little Nepalese steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or chicken and served with a tasty curry dipping sauce. The Nepalese dishes share the menu with a robust selection of Indian favorites, including taste bud-scorching vindaloos and deeply flavorful tandoori chicken.
Gaylord India Restaurant
100 E. Walton St. 312-664-1700Start lining up for the buffet. This Indian fave, which shuttered its Clark Street location in early 2008, is back at a new Gold Coast location. Though dinnertime brings more traditional table service, Gaylord’s lunch buffet is an old standby — and a great value at $11.95 per person. (The a la carte menu is available at lunch too.)
Five Guys
2140 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-327-5953 The burger boom continues with this Lincoln Park outpost of acclaimed Virginia chain Five Guys, which already staked its claim locally with an Oak Park opening late last year. Five Guys prides itself on never-frozen, hand-formed patties — there’s no freezer on site, and the kitchen is open so you can watch cooks work — and there’s no extra charge to load up on toppings such as grilled onions, mushrooms and jalapenos.
Cafe Senegal
2131 W. Howard St. 773-465-5643Howard Street’s got a new spot for groundnut stew. This little cafe from Diaw and Boubacar Sow, sibling co-owners whose family owns the grocery store next door, serves authentic Senegalese cuisine with a French accent. Don’t miss the mafe, a popular West African stew of lamb and vegetables simmered in a creamy peanut sauce.
Your Kitchen
4009 N. Albany Ave. 773-463-7470
Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier with this carryout-only spot in Albany Park. Quick eats include Reuben hush puppies and sandwiches with ingredients like pulled pork and tequila-marinated chicken. If you’re looking for something more substantial, pick up a hearty heat-and-eat dish such as beef stroganoff or chicken pot pie.
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kpratt@tribune.com
