A Monday Night Late Dinner

I'll be arriving in Chicago late on a Monday night, perhaps as late as 10:30. Staying in the River North area. Looking for some suggestions for places that are serving that late. Last time I came in late I did Gibson's, which was fine. I know Smith and Wollensky has late hours. Also, I think some Greektown places are open. What else should I consider? Any cuisine is OK.

If your mood stretches a bit, think about the Pakistani "cabbie" joints on the west end of River North. Baba's Palace (Orleans and Chicago) is a larger and with a bigger and easier to navigate menu, but my favorite is Kabbabish (939 N Orleans). You can pick from what looks good on the steam table, but if they are frying fish, get it (insist on tons of the "masala"). With their fresh made chapatis, you have the best fish tacos in Chicago.

Rob

That area's best places close up by 10 on the weekdays, but cabbie diners and smoky bars aside (Pepper Canister on Wells for better than usual pub grub or Bar Louie on Chicago) you do have some choices. SushiSamba (exactly what it sounds like) on Wells is open until 11:00, Reza's (Persian) on Ontario is open 'til midnight. Cafe Iberico (tapas) is open until 11:30. Since you've mentioned two steak places, you might be into Gene & Georgetti on Franklin - open 'til midnight, although I (and maybe others) will tell you there's much better steak places for the money.

The best meal I've had late-night in that area was in Narcisse, an upscale candelier and tribal/house music club on Clark, with surprisingly good food. I had a particularly good ostrich tenderloin there once.

In River North, late night, some suggestions:

- Pakistani Cab Driver joints are one good option

- Dublins serves great food until 4 am, 365 days a year - always a good option, especially for their salads believe it or not, on Rush, just north of Gibsons

- Tempo - great omlettes, good other diner food

- 3rd Coast Cafe (On Dearborn and Goethe) - open until 2am most evenings, later on the weekend. Great food, coffee, and even wine and drinks. (full disclosure, I've been a regular there nearly 10 years and know the owners), they used to be open 24hrs

- There is a 24hr Subway at the gas station at Wells and Chicago - not great, but it is open 24hrs and a realistic option if you need it (though I might suggest just walking two blocks further west to Baba Palace one of the better of the cab driver joints.

- Kamehachi Cafe on Wells (in Old Town but a cheap cab fare from River North) serves sushi upstairs until 2am. Check if they are open on Mondays however - a great option if you want Sushi and it is 1am.

Shannon