It's 15 degrees (or colder) outside in Chicago and your stomach is growling..."hanger" is just about to settle in. If you are going to leave home to find food, it better be for some yummy comfort food.
*** = Must order every time we go :)
Casual Dining:
American:
SmokeShack: Single or Double Cheeseburger topped with all-natural applewood smoked bacon, chopped cherry pepper, ShackSauce (add lettuce and tomato for $ extra...you won't regret it.)***
Side of Fries
Mexican:
Food:
Picnic chicken with rotisserie chicken, avocado crema, warm honey-dijon potato salad, crispy chicken skin, cilantro, flour tortilla***
Slow-roasted Angus brisket with barbacoa style, red chili mayo, avocado relish, queso blanco, micro cilantro, comté cheese, encrusted flour tortilla
Annatto shredded pork: avocado crema, napa slaw, grilled pineapple, pickled onion, queso fresco, cilantro, hibiscus corn tortilla
Shrimp & grits with creole remoulade, blackened shrimp, crispy pepper jack cheese grits, charred tomato salsa, micro cilantro, corn tortilla
Red curry coconut queso with pickled onion, queso fresco, Thai basil, blue chips
Drinks:
Kick-Ass Margaritas
Japanese/Ramen:
Tonkotsu with traditional broth, chashu, molten egg***
Spicy Miso with ground pork, kung pao chilies, napa cabbage
Upscale Dining:
American:
Food:
Farmer's Market Salad with butternut squash, pomegranate, humboldt fog, grains, pecan vinaigrette***
Fettuccini Bolognese with beef, pork, lamb, fennel, braised tomato, mascarpone, basil***
Boneless Short Ribs with garlic mashed potato, roasted seasonal vegetable, bordelaise
Italian "Jambalaya" with spicy chicken, grilled shrimp, risotto, sausage, roasted pepper
Happy Hour specials:
Mini Bacon Cheeseburgers with sharp cheddar, applewood smoked bacon***
$5 house wine and tap beer, $6 premium wells
Food:
Brussel Sprouts with herb goat cheese, chili honey and almonds***
Guacaomole with corn, queso fresco, sesame seeds, cilantro, house salsa
Deviled Eggs with ahi tuna, pickled red onion, quinoa, arugula, pepper pesto
B.L.T Steak Salad with mixed greens, avocado, bacon, tomato, almonds, chili vinaigrette, horseradish cream
Smash Burger with double patty, cheddar, house pickles, mustard aioli, egg bun
Drinks:
The Bee's Knees: tea infused four roses bourbon, Gifford apricot, honey (comes with a cute honey dipper!)
Fresh Pond Bay: hanger one vodka, aperol, lime, basil
We fell in love with the a different pork belly appetizer and gnocchi & octopus entrée when we first moved to Chicago...and then we just kept coming back for more. Unfortunately, that has been removed from the menu. Don't worry - there are too many good options to choose from!
Food:
Burrata with marinated beets, mache, tomatoes, sweet miso vinaigrette, ohba
Pork belly with lemongrass-scented coconut broth, fennel, frisee, radish, rye crisp, fall spices***
Fish & Chips with beer-battered pacific cod, housemade fries, tartar sauce, malt vinegar
We are dying to to try the Rabbit and Veal Cheeks entrées!
Drinks: (seasonal)
Glühwein: hot mulled red wine, christian brothers brandy, ruby porto, clove, star anise, cinnamon, dried apricot, allspice, raisins, lemon, orange
Chef Julianna's Hot Chocolate (with Baileys): steamed to order, housemade marshmallow / adults only: add a side of baileys, grand marnier, or peppermint
Seafood:
Food
Scallop Rumaki with Georges Banks Scallops, Nuoc Cham Pork Belly, Green Papaya, Lemongrass Carrot Puree, Ginger Confit***
Calamari with tomato Sauce, Raita, Chilies
Oysters by the half-shell
Tonkotsu Mussels with Poached Egg, Shiitake Mushrooms, Ramen Noodles
Yellowtail Snapper with XO Sauce, Thai Basil, Shiitake Mushrooms***
Spanish/Tapas:
Food:
Chorizo-Wrapped Medjool Date & Cheese
Burrata with Catalan Tomato Bread***
Octopus a la Plancha with Pimentón Vinaigrette, Purple Fingerlings, Red Sorrel & Crispy Garlic
Shrimp with Garlic, Olive Oil, Red Pepper Flakes
Rioja-Braised Short Rib, Manchego Mashed Potatoes, Roasted Seasonal Vegetables & Rioja Wine Glaze***
Drinks:
Any of the Sangrias
Mexican:
Food:
Grilled Pineapple & Hibiscus Guacamole with pickled jalapeño, sunflower seeds and cilantro***
Kale & Brussels Sprout Caesar with cornbread croutons, cotija cheese and charred jalapeño caesar dressing
Grilled Octopus Taco with crispy papas, agave-jalapeño and roasted tomato aioli
Drinks:
Any of the Margaritas
The Paloma
Ring around the Rose
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