Mar 17, 2017
By Mina Bloom | March 15, 2017
LOGAN SQUARE — When the Whistler opened nearly nine years ago, specializing in cocktails, it was one of the only bars of its kind in the neighborhood.
Back then, it was fair to assume that most people traveling down the relatively quiet block in search of drinks on a Friday or Saturday night were headed either to the cozy cocktail bar at 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave. or the notorious dive bar Two Way Lounge across the street.
“There was a better than 50-50 chance they were coming to our place,” said Whistler co-owner Billy Helmkamp.
Today, there are a lot — a lot — more options.
Helmkamp, referring to Milwaukee Avenue pedestrians, said, “Now you see a group of eight, followed by a group of five, followed by another group of three, followed by another group of four, and it’s not uncommon that all 20 people walk right past us and go into another place.”
Over the last few years, Logan Square’s bar scene has exploded. Since 2010, at least 10 cocktail bars have joined the neighborhood.
Billy Sunday, 3143 W. Logan Blvd.; Heavy Feather, 2357 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Estereo, 2450 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Spilt Milk, 2758 W. Fullerton Ave.; Lost Lake, 3154 W. Diversey Ave.; Scofflaw, 3201 W. Armitage Ave.; Best Intentions, 3281 W. Armitage Ave.; Deadbolt, 2412 N. Milwaukee Ave.; and Branca Bar, 2367 N. Milwaukee Ave., have all opened in recent years…
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Mar 10, 2017
By: Ashok Selvam | Eater Chicago| Mar 9, 2017
“Almost two years after state lawmakers brought back happy hour, Illinois legislators are pondering tinkering with booze laws again. This time they’re considering a bill which would allow 18 year olds to legally drink beer or wine at a restaurant—albeit with parental consent. Lowering the age of consumption from 21 would match similar laws in 10 states, including Wisconsin, Ohio, and Kansas, WGN-TV reported.
Sorry, young Fireball lovers—the bill doesn’t apply to hard liquor or to drinking at bars. Approving parents must be supervising their children, too. The bill could affect family gatherings and perhaps school functions.
Rep. Barbara Wheeler, a Republican from Crystal Lake, and Rep. Kelly Burke, a Democrat from Evergreen Park, introduced the bill to the house earlier back in January. The bill is currently in committee.
To adopt this bill, lawmakers must amend the Liquor Control Act of 1934, which oversees much of state liquor law. They amended the law in 2015 by lifting the 26-year ban on happy hour specials. Looks like someone has persuaded Springfield to be more progressive when it comes to booze laws.
Other states where 18 year olds can drink with parental permission and supervision include Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Wyoming. Stay tuned for word on whether Illinois joins them.”
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Feb 24, 2017
1. Mr. Greek Gyros – 234 S Halsted St
Many a Chicagoan have ended up here on a late night and wondered how they made it in and out of Greektown—but remember this—that gyro was probably delicious. Perhaps give it a go during daylight hours too.
2. Lawrence’s Fish & Shrimp – 2120 S Canal St
Fried fish and shrimp whenever you want is a luxury. You can explore this luxury at Lawrence’s on the near South Side. Get your fried shrimp thrown into a po’ boy or tossed onto a bed of fries late into the night and early into the morning.
3. Golden Nugget – 3234 W Irving Park Rd
Golden Nugget’s iconic signage has been looking over Chicagoans that are hungry for late-night eats since 1966. Along with standard breakfast fare, it serves a variety of sandwiches, fried steaks and chilaquiles. It’s a classic spot to hit up after a late-night bar crawl or concert.
4. Tempo Cafe – 6 E Chestnut St
There’s a lot to do around Rush and Division. Once you’re done doing it all, head over to the nearby Tempo Café and enjoy some of the best late-night breakfasts you’ll never remember. If you’re there while the sun is rising, you might run into some unfamiliar faces, but very familiar bodies.
5. Dat Donuts – 8249 S Cottage Grove Ave
Not only is Chatham home to arguably the most popular hip-hop artist right now, but it is also home to one of best doughnuts in Chicago. It’s worth taking a chance on Dat Donut at any hour you feel the need for that sweet, floury sugar rush. If you’re feeling daring, go with the toilet seat-sized Big Dat. It’s open 24 hours, six days a week.
(H/T Eater)
Feb 9, 2017
Heather Cherone | Feb 9, 2017
THE LOOP — Chicagoans may have more street dining options this summer if the City Council slashes the cost of licenses required to sell everything from hot dogs and tamales to crepes and corn.
The changes, put forward by Mayor Rahm Emanuel as part of a larger overhaul of how the city licenses businesses, won the endorsement of two City Council committees Wednesday. It heads to the full Council for a vote Feb. 22. If approved, it would take effect July 1.
Originally proposed by 26th Ward Ald. Robert Maldonado, the cost of a two-year business license would drop to $100 from $350. In addition, food cart operators would no longer have to get an additional business license to use a shared kitchen, which comes with a $75 fee.
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