Enoteca Roma thoughts?

Out of curiosity, we are in town this weekend and I needed a place in Wicker Park/Bucktown for 6 of us for a mid-priced meal where we could go out afterwards. Someone on chowhound suggested Enoteca Roma... any good? The menu looks simple and the wine list looks ok, but at least on the inexpensive side. I'm curious as to your thoughts.

jpschust wrote:Out of curiosity, we are in town this weekend and I needed a place in Wicker Park/Bucktown for 6 of us for a mid-priced meal where we could go out afterwards. Someone on chowhound suggested Enoteca Roma... any good?

I've not been to Enoteca Roma, but if you are looking for a mid-priced meal, nice, yet moderate, selection of wine and nicely done Italian food I suggest Baccala. I've been twice, had a terrific meal both times.

Enjoy,
Gary

Baccala
1540 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL
773-227-1400
Wednesday - Saturday 6-11

G Wiv wrote:

jpschust wrote:Out of curiosity, we are in town this weekend and I needed a place in Wicker Park/Bucktown for 6 of us for a mid-priced meal where we could go out afterwards. Someone on chowhound suggested Enoteca Roma... any good?

I've not been to Enoteca Roma, but if you are looking for a mid-priced meal, nice, yet moderate, selection of wine and nicely done Italian food I suggest Baccala. I've been twice, had a terrific meal both times.

Enjoy,
Gary

Baccala
1540 N. Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL
773-227-1400
Wednesday - Saturday 6-11

Without a thorough knowledge of the geography- is that Wicker Park/Bucktown?

jpschust wrote:Without a thorough knowledge of the geography- is that Wicker Park/Bucktown?

According to Chicago Landmarks map it is the Southern edge of Wicker Park.

I haven't been to Baccala, but I can confidently tell you to skip Enoteca Roma. Living just a few blocks away, I've been several times, and, while E.N. will do in a pinch, it is not the sort of place that I would send a visitor with choices.

[And, yes, Baccala is squarely in the heart of Wicker Park.]

E.M.

Erik M. wrote:I haven't been to Baccala, but I can confidently tell you to skip Enoteca Roma. Living just a few blocks away, I've been several times, and, while E.N. will do in a pinch, it is not the sort of place that I would send a visitor with choices.

[And, yes, Baccala is squarely in the heart of Wicker Park.]

E.M.

Where else would you suggest for a group now down to 5 for Saturday night around 8-8:30 PM in Wicker Park/Bucktown. Also, besides Moonshine, Goldstar and Rainbow Room are there some other great neighborhood bars? My girl and I are trying to get a better feel to see if we want to sign a lease in Wicker Park to get a feel for the neighborhood before buying.

I had a really good meal and wine at Bin Wine cafe on Milwaukee, this past Saturday. The garage door was open and we were near the sidewalk with a 6:30 reservation, great place to get the vibe of the neighborhood. I've lived here off and on 13 years now. I've seen a lot of changes.
I will warn you they have a small menu, but what we had was terrific. We had a cheese sampler, pizza, hamburger and hangar steak, all great. Wine is so reasonable. We had a white flight with our cheeses, then a nice aussie shiraz for dinner only $32 for the bottle.

http://www.binwinecafe.com
1559 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 486-2233

nicinchic wrote:I had a really good meal and wine at Bin Wine cafe on Milwaukee, this past Saturday. The garage door was open and we were near the sidewalk with a 6:30 reservation, great place to get the vibe of the neighborhood. I've lived here off and on 13 years now. I've seen a lot of changes.
I will warn you they have a small menu, but what we had was terrific. We had a cheese sampler, pizza, hamburger and hangar steak, all great. Wine is so reasonable. We had a white flight with our cheeses, then a nice aussie shiraz for dinner only $32 for the bottle.

http://www.binwinecafe.com
1559 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 486-2233

Thanks for the tip- they look to have a really nice wine list which I care about significantly more than my food, to be honest, but the food looks good too. They have some really geeky stuff on there

Personally, my husband and I love this place. We go here for their 'special' pizza and arugula salad, and wine. The pizza and salad we get are not on the menu, but we were told its something they will always have as a daily special so long as they have arugula.

To start, their pizza crust is out of this world, its nothing like you would expect. I wouldn't classify it as deep dish, but its definitely a little thicker, but cracker crispy on the outside and very, very flavorable. They bake the crust with their homemade tomato sauce, THEN they top their pizza with the fresh ingredients and serve it to you. This particular pizza we get is topped with goat cheese, lemony arugula and prosciutto, and they PILE the ingredients on, they don't skimp at all. It really is heavenly. The arugula is tossed in a very tasty olive oil too, there is just so much flavor. The pizza comes out on a block and is square in shape, cut into six square pieces, so it really is something different in this 'pizza city'. The arugula salad is simple but delicious, tossed with olive oil and lemon and topped with wide strips of thinly shaved parmesan.

durzia wrote: the pizza we get is $21

Holy cow, that's a lot for a pizza.

I generally like Enoteca Roma, although I haven't been in awhile. However, the OP stated that (1) food wasn't as important as wine; and (2) he wanted to get a feel for the neighborhood. Therefore, given those parameters, the spacious outside patio (weather permitting) is about as good as anywhere in WP to get a feel for the neighborhood. There is nothing like the people-watching on this stretch of Division. During one visit there, I was treated to an impromptu, festive parade as people headed home westward on Division after the Puerto Rican parade in the Loop.

aschie30 wrote:Holy cow, that's a lot for a pizza.

Yeah, its a little pricey, but the ingredients are super fresh and piled high. Its not your average pizza, so if you throw that out of the equation its something a little more special. Sometimes its the only thing we get, so in hindsight it's only a little over $10 per person, pre-tax/tip, for a filling and satisyfing meal

I agree, the outdoor patio is excellent in warm weather, I prefer it to the inside for sure. The inside is cozy on a cold winter night though.

durzia wrote:Its not your average pizza

That's funny - I don't remember anything unique about the pizza. On the website, it's classified as rustic Roman style, which is about right. I would place it on par with Pizza Metro's, which is, ironically, right down the street and a heck of a lot cheaper.

aschie- Makes a good point with Pizza Metro. If it's nice out, a really good place to people watch and it's BYOB, so that will take care of the wine.

nicinchic wrote:aschie- Makes a good point with Pizza Metro. If it's nice out, a really good place to people watch and it's BYOB, so that will take care of the wine.

Indeed, especially if there's a great wine shop nearby. Is there? (It's one of the criteria of choosing houses for me- where's the closest good wine store?)

jpschust wrote:Indeed, especially if there's a great wine shop nearby. Is there? (It's one of the criteria of choosing houses for me- where's the closest good wine store?)

As mentioned upthread, Bin Wine Cafe at 1559 N. Milwaukee sells wine, and in Wicker Park, you're not far (short drive) from Sam's, which may be one of the largest wine stores on the planet.

nr706 wrote:

jpschust wrote:Indeed, especially if there's a great wine shop nearby. Is there? (It's one of the criteria of choosing houses for me- where's the closest good wine store?)

As mentioned upthread, Bin Wine Cafe at 1559 N. Milwaukee sells wine, and in Wicker Park, you're not far (short drive) from Sam's, which may be one of the largest wine stores on the planet.

Thanks. I could very easily live at Sam's.

Don't want to hijack the thread, but there is also
http://www.juicywine.com
694 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

close by on Milwaukee, and a bunch of restaurants down that way too.

I make a Trader Joe's/ Sams Wine run every Saturday morning, right down Ashland to Cortland, down Macy St.

jpschust wrote:Indeed, especially if there's a great wine shop nearby. Is there? (It's one of the criteria of choosing houses for me- where's the closest good wine store?)

Most "corner" liquor stores/packies in Chicago tend to focus on beer and have an overpriced, mainstream wine selection -- most bottles you can find at your local CVS/Walgreen's. But the packie on Damen & Division in the strip mall there actually has some decently-priced, interesting bottles that will do in a pinch. There's not a "wine shop," but there's a liquor store near Goldstar although I've never been in there. Judging from the outside, my guess is that it does not focus on wine.

Most people, I think, stock up at Sam's or Wine Discount on Elston (just south of Cortland), but the "better" wine shop in the immediate vicinity of WP would be Bin Wine Cafe.

jpschust wrote:Where else would you suggest for a group now down to 5 for Saturday night around 8-8:30 PM in Wicker Park/Bucktown.

For an out-of-towner?

Something which is good, fun for a group, and unique to Chicago?

Hot Chocolate
Scylla
Bin Wine Cafe

Something which is good, but not necessarily fun for a group, or unique to Chicago?

Spring
Cafe Absinthe
Mirai
Cafe Matou
A Tavola

jpschust wrote:Also, besides Moonshine, Goldstar and Rainbow Room are there some other great neighborhood bars? My girl and I are trying to get a better feel to see if we want to sign a lease in Wicker Park to get a feel for the neighborhood before buying.

First of all, Moonshine is not a "great neighbourhood bar." Unless, of course, you are the sort of guy that likes to do the town in square-toed, black dress shoes, $250 "distressed" jeans, an untucked Oxford cloth shirt, and a baseball cap.

Now, if that's the case, you may as well check out Plan B, Debonair, and the newly-opened Cortland's Garage while you are in the area.

But, if that's not the case, you may as well check Zakopane, The Charleston, and Danny's, in addition to Gold Star Bar and The Rainbow.

And, lastly...

Sonotheque is a club with great programming and atmosphere, and if that interests you be sure to peruse their schedule before you get to town.

So, too, The Empty Bottle. [A personal favourite, and arguably one of the best clubs in America.]

The Continental is where you'll probably get the most accurate reading on the W.P./Humboldt hipster "pulse" these days. [And, for the record, I am not a fan.]

E.M.

Erik's suggestions mirror mine on chowhound. I think you should make a night of Bin Wine Cafe and Danny's. It'll give you probably the most positive view of the neighborhood you can get.

Erik M. wrote:
Something which is good, but not necessarily fun for a group, or unique to Chicago?

Mirai


First of all, Moonshine is not a "great neighbourhood bar." Unless, of course, you are the sort of guy that likes to do the town in square-toed, black dress shoes, $250 "distressed" jeans, an untucked Oxford cloth shirt, and a baseball cap.

I certainly differ with you on both of those.

-The upstairs of Mirai (the lounge as they like to call it) is a great setting for a large group. It's got the ambiance of a nice lounge with better than average sushi fare. Good music and crowd without being cheesy. Plus they take reservations.

-I spend a decent amount of time in Moonshine and certainly wouldn't describe their demographic as you have. (Then again, even if it was accurate, I'm not sure the apparel you describe is inherently pejorative.) Certainly not on the weeknights which is when I normally go. They have a solid menu and bring in some of the better DJs this city has to offer. If one doesn't mind A) eating a meal with house music in the background or B) going for drinks at a place that is a restaurant first and foremost, I think it fits the bill as a "great neighborhood" spot.


I fully agree with you about Sonotheque though. One of the best clubs in the city. For clubs, I like Ohm in that neighborhood as well, as long as it's drawing a decent sized crowd.

Ralph Wiggum wrote:I certainly differ with you on both of those.

-The upstairs of Mirai (the lounge as they like to call it) is a great setting for a large group. It's got the ambiance of a nice lounge with better than average sushi fare. Good music and crowd without being cheesy. Plus they take reservations.

-I spend a decent amount of time in Moonshine and certainly wouldn't describe their demographic as you have. (Then again, even it was accurate, I'm not sure the apparel you describe is inherently pejorative.) Certainly not on the weeknights which is when I normally go. They have a solid menu and bring in some of the better DJs this city has to offer. If one doesn't mind A) eating a meal with house music in the background or B) going for drinks at a place that is a restaurant first and foremost, I think it fits the bill as a "great neighborhood" spot.

I like Mirai, and the food has been especially good recently (I was just there on Saturday), but, as I indicated above, I do not think that the atmosphere or the food are particularly unique to Chicago.

E.M.

I love Enoteca Roma and Letizia's. I am moving next week up to the burbs But am very excited to do so . One of the reasons I moved to Wicker Park/Ukie Village 3 years ago was because of the amazing selection of restaurants, bars, etc between Division and Chicago Avenues.

Enoteca Roma is a great place for a group as they have a special prix fixe dinner special with pizza, salads, antipasti and wine. I think it's about $36 pp and served family style. They have a couple of outdoor areas with heat lamps and blankets when it's chilly out.

It's great place to hang out and get a feel for the neighborhood.

Ralph Wiggum wrote:I think it fits the bill as a "great neighborhood" spot.

On second reading, I should be careful with those words. I'm in no way suggesting it's good enough to warrant a GNR Award!

What's worng with me for forgetting one of my favorite spots??
MAS
http://www.masrestaurant.com
1670 W Division St, Chicago, 60622

Athough it also got "Checked Pleased" But it is till one of my go to places for latin fusion, and just all around good atmosphere place. LOVE the wine dinner the last Thursday of the month. Pretty much all you can drink and a great crowd and food.

As far as the bar selection- Moonshine is only acceptable to me for a weekend as a place where I can please a variety of tastes. I'm a little more focused on Goldstar for myself if that makes sense. And I do wear nice clothing (even expensive distressed jeans at times) but I need not a trendy atmosphere. Rather I need good people drinking good drinks enjoying good music. I've got to please a bunch of folks though with tastes strikingly different from mine.

That said, some of the trendiest bars around where I love are highly enjoyable during the weekdays. Funny how a place morphs over the weekend.

I'll keep an eye out for Zakopane, The Charleston, and Danny's. Those could all be very cool.

It looks like there's a new wine store in the neighborhood, just at North Ave. and Wood, Cellar Rat. I haven't been, but it sounds like they'll have quite the selection.

I would echo again the suggestion of Pizza Metro on Division, if the weather holds, or MAS, also with nice outdoor seating if it's available, for something a little more upscale.

jpschust wrote:And I do wear nice clothing (even expensive distressed jeans at times)...

Sigh.

You missed my point entirely.

At any rate, I failed to mention one of the neighbourhood's greatest assets, The Matchbox.

It is packed to the rafters most nights, but its siamese twin, The Silver Palm, is no less desireable.

Have fun.

E.M.

Matchbox and Silver Palm two of my most favorite places in the world, shrimp cocktail is the best!! Also, West Town tavern over the bridge. However, while it's an easy bus ride down Milwuakee or one blue stop from Division, I wouldn't consider it Wicker Park/Bucktown.

nicinchic wrote:Matchbox and Silver Palm two of my most favorite places in the world, shrimp cocktail is the best!! Also, West Town tavern over the bridge. However, while it's an easy bus ride down Milwuakee or one blue stop from Division, I wouldn't consider it Wicker Park/Bucktown.

I was thinking of all of those places, but I didn't suggest them because they're not in Wicker Park (although they are in adjacent Ukrainian Village). However, jpschust should get to know all of those places as they, in my opinion, beat the pants off of anything in Wicker Park. The classic drinks and atmosphere at either the Matchbox or the Silver Palm are the best (although be forewarned the Matchbox is really smokey, the SP, less so). And the wine program at West Town Tavern is outstanding (and the food is really solid as well). The wine list is truly global, divided into old world and new world wines, and changes periodically. The by-the-glass and bottle prices are reasonable as well.

However, if the OP is interested in sticking to WP, drinking wine, and taking in the neighborhood, I would go with either Bin Wine Cafe or the patio at Enoteca Roma.