"No TVs, limited menu, subpar service (granted they are still new but it's real bad at times), etc. I thought the crowds would die down a bit but the bar layout sucks when it's busy, and it's impossible to get a seat during any busy hours. No reservations either."

Sounds pretty similar to the Hopleaf...

Going to Publican tomorrow for the first time.

Any can't miss menu items?

Definitely do a bunch of the oysters an though it sounds weird, Teiresias roasted chicken is really awesome. The whole menu rocks and be sure to talk to the ciccerone about the beers, I garuntee you'll find something new.

Pretty fantastic if you ask me.

Ate at Publican last night.

I wasn't too wowed by any of the smaller dishes or the sides (the plums with ricotta would be the standout of those), the beef tartare, halibut ceviche were both pretty average imo.

But the porchetta... that blew me away. It was perfectly cooked, great crisp on the outer layer without compromising the tenderness of the interior. The copia was also fantastic (whitefish poached in duck fat).

I would def go again, maybe focus on getting a few of the heavier or main courses rather than trying a bunch of the smaller dishes.

I would rate G&G above Publican, I just think from top to bottom their execution is better.

Went to beercade yesterday in lakeview, pretty absurd. Recommend checking it out if you haven't already just for the novelty value. Huge setup with multiple bars and wide range of classic arcade/pinball machines that are free to play, and the TVs play American gladiators and classic WWF.

Yea this is a cool spot. Drinks are weak though, and I don't believe they have a menu. It's called Headquarters. Uncle Fatty's old spot.

Girlfriend took me to Publican last Monday for my birthday. Holy ****, the porchetta. Really enjoyed the charcuterie plate and the lamb also.

Still need to go to G&G.

I went recently to G&G and was super disappointed. Second time and both were underwhelming.

Awesome, man. Thanks for the recommendation!

When I first went there a month ago I asked the bartender for some quarters to get down on Ms. Pac Man and was pleasantly surprised that the game are free. Beer choices were okay and I was pretty bummed that my food choices were only pretzels.

Have 2 Lollapalooza tickets for Saturday and can't make it that day. Looking for $100/ticket. Will leave up here for a couple hours before listing on CL/etc. Saturday has (amongst others), Matt & Kim, The National, The Lumineers, Mumford & Sons, and The Postal Service.

Cit,

Can you hold them for a bit? Need to check with a friend but I'm very interested.

Edit: I'm 99% sure I'll take them. I'm out of town till tomorrow night but I can meet up Thursday or Friday

Sorry, tickets sold to college friend =(

Haha damn that was quick. Oh well.

Apparently my pricing was too low or something =P

Hah yeah, Saturday tickets are $220 on Stubhub right now.

coworker just sold one for $270

I have a 4 top for Next on Saturday at 6 p.m, available at face value.

Half the people in my Chicago poker circle (granted, not too large) play semi serious tennis (ie guys who played in college and still get out a lot, although 30+ now). I honestly don't know any other guys that play tennis that seriously. Weird coincidence I guess.

Not sure how the tennis scene works, but if you're looking for a regular group of guys to play with shoot me a PM.

I know this is kind of pointless now but buying the 3 day Lolla pass when they first come out no matter who is playing is massively +EV. The one year I didn't get 3-day tickets immediately in the 7 years I lived here was because I didn't particularly like the lineup. Lolla weekend quickly came and it was amazing outside and tickets were sold out and ONE DAY passes were $300! The 3 days are around $225 when they first come out and you can easily get them. Moral of the story is if you know you're going to be in Chicago that weekend just buy the 3 day Lolla tickets no matter what and if you don't want to go just sell them and make a profit. If it's nice outside and you like music you're going to want to be there no matter who is playing, simple as that.

i wish the lolla scalper market was legitimately tradable . could have shorted 3days when they came out at $450...

Senza near Broadway and Diversey has a solid tasting menu, I believe 4 dishes for $60 (pick 1 app/dinner/dessert amongst a list of 11) or all 11 dishes for $110.

They also have a really nice ambiance and they have padded things in the ceiling so it's not as loud as it normally would be. Would recommend for a date or small party.


Salmon with asparagus, ricotta, pumpernickel, and serrano

Vidalia onion soup with duck prosciutto, truffle, bianco sofotbosco, and corn (my personal favorite)

Foie gras with caramel corn, almmond, cider, anise

Ribeye with cherry, black garlic, morel, and mustard seed

Only real weakness with the place was the lack of a som, we brought a bottle and they gave it to someone who took 5 minutes to open it and broke the cork.

I'd say this was decent value since I'd expect a similar display in Vegas to go for $150+

OK, so here's a question for y'all. Probably covered elsewhere itt, but lolsearching. We are considering heading back to Chicago, last lived there on 2005. Wow time flies. Looking to get a sense of where the cool kids (and by "kids" I mean late 30s-mid40s) live and hang out. If you say "Schaumburg" I'll sic my dog on you.

Lived in South Loop last time, and LOVED the convenience. Not a ton of night life then though (within walking distance). The bank of condos below Roosevelt on Lake Shore were just going up then. Some bars and restaurants would be great.

Other neighborhoods: She lived in Boystown/Lakeview and liked it (got a little old pretty quick though). Logan Square? Others?

Discuss.

Thanks.

what all are you guys looking for and what is your price range?

Logan Square, Lincoln Sq/Ravenswood, Bucktown, Ukie Village, and the West Loop are probably your best bets