Clybourn and Ashland

OK here is my next anniversary restaurant post. Hubby is working in this area right now . He passed a Lalo's which made us think about Chi-Chi's and the related post. I haven't been in that area for about 13 years , but hubby said it was really nice and thought it would be fun to go out to eat in that area Sat. night. Any ideas? It's our 8th anniversary and we are 99% of the time child equipped. We will actually be free that night!!! We are looking to go out for under 75$ and we don't like seafood. We are 30 and stuck in a suburban rut. I was born and raised in the city and even went to Lane, so I used to be in touch. Now I am only hip to the best diapers and baby formulas!!! Any help would be appreciated.

Why are you limited to Clybourn and Ashland? Seems a little odd to want to limit yourself to that unless it's for like shopping or theater reasons or something else. If I had 75.00 to spend, and liked Mexican food, I most definitely would not be thinking Lalo's on Clybourn (A chain that started in the burbs, I think.)

Well, you'd almost certainly bust the $75, but you could have a very nice romantic dinner without going too far over either by ordering one of the smaller prix fixes or ordering carefully off the menu at Sweets and Savories.

There are a couple of pretty good Italian places around there-- Filippo's on Clybourn, Rose Angelis tucked away in the residential part, Via Carducci on Fullerton, Fiorentino's further up on Ashland. Other than the last I haven't been to any of them in a few years, and any more recent reports should be given more credence, but at least back then they were all reliable, reasonably priced, friendly neighborhood places.

Filippo's
2211 N. Clybourn Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-528-2211

Rose Angelis
1314 W. Wrightwood Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-296-0081

Via Carducci
1419 W. Fullerton Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
773-665-1981

Fiorentino's Cucina Italiana
2901 N. Ashland Ave.
Chicago, IL 60657
773-244-3026

It doesn't have to be that exact intersection, but just the general area.

Good, because there is nothing at that exact intersection (other than a Wendy's). Though Sweets and Savories is pretty close.

If you are willing to travel about 8 blocks west, why not visit Think Restaurant? Great food, BYOB, affordable. Pound for pound, one of the best restaurants in Chicago IMO.
Think
2235 N. Western Ave.
Chicago, IL 60647
Phone (773) 394-0537
http://www.think-cafe.com/

My wife and I live near Ashland and Clybourn and for a romantic dinner, our local favorite is Luna Caprese. LC doesn't get that much love on LTH (though it has been mentioned several times for its excellent housemade pasta.) We have eaten there several times and really enjoyed it. The atmosphere is dark and romantic, and has the feel of a hidden gem. We enjoyed some wonderful housemade ravioli and fettucini as well as a very nice eggplant appetizer and a couple of drinks. The service was very personable and we lingered to enjoy the atmosphere. I am pretty sure the total bill was less than $75 including tip (although we did not order more than two drinks.)

If you are willing to spend a bit more, GNR Sweets and Savories is not too far away. Other places in the area include Filippo's and Pequods.

Best,

Veeral

Luna Caprese
2239 N Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 281-4825
www.lunacaprese.com

PS I wanted to post this earlier today but the site was down. With the good memories in my head, we decided to go back there tonight. We started with an excellent lentil soup that was very flavorful. I had the pappardelle with porcini mushrooms in a cream sauce - a very scrumptious savory dish that totally hit the spot on this cold night. My wife had the nightly special of asparagus and ricotta ravioli, which was also excellent. The other special was home made lasagna, which sounded (and looked) excellent, but I'll have to save that for another night. The atmosphere was a bit louder tonight and the little space was packed, but we had excellent service and enjoyed our little hidden gem.

Thanks for the help! On the Chi-Chi Wannabe I told of our decision for tonight.

***sidenote****
I don't think I could go to Pequod's. It would be like cheating on Burt!

Also in that area, for a drink after dinner maybe - Webster's Wine Bar, on Webster between Clybourn and Ashland, across from the movie theaters.