Dinner Before a Show at the Park West?

Hi,

We're going to show at this venue for the first time tomorrow night. Can anyone recommend a casual spot for a bite to eat within walking distance of the theatre? We're open to any cuisne, other than fast food. Would like to have a drink though, so must have a liquor license. Service needs to be fairly brisk, as we'll only have about 45 min. to an hour to dine.

Thanks for any ideas! Lynn

I've eaten at Stanley's before a show at Park West. They definitely have a liquor license. On a monday night they had some kind of buffet which I chose in part because I thought it would be time-efficient. The food at Stanley's is pretty good, but the buffet was a bit worse for sitting. Not bad, but next time I would order from the menu. I think they can do quick-before-show service from the kitchen too.

Stanley's
1970 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL
(312) 642-0007

We also went to Stanleys a few years back before a show at Park West. We agreed we would go back again if we were in the area. I can't recall what we had, but we did order off the menu and shared our entrees. They were very good.

For some reason, I am associating them with some really good mashed potatoes, but I can't vouch for my memory.

Suzy

Stanley's is a good recommendation.

Also, right around the corner from Park West (on Lincoln Park West) is R.J. Grunt's -- the first of Rich Melman's LEYE restaurants. I've always thought that it's kind of a neat place, and they serve a good burger.

Or if you're in the mood for a pretty good pizza I'd recommend Bricks.

http://www.brickspetaluma.com/chicago/index.html

Bricks
1909 N. Lincoln
Chicago, IL 60614

312-255-0851

PS: Enjoy the Truckers!

Thanks all for the recs. I was leaning towards Stanley's until I mentioned Ron A.'s suggestion of R.J. Grunts to my husband. I think a wave of nostalgia hit him. I'd never been there, but husband's parents used to take him there as a youngster in the late 70's. What a trip! I loved the vibe - the photo's of the TV stars of the 70's, the music, mirrors, plants hanging from the ceiling.... We didn't partake of the famous salad bar, but husband liked his turkey burger. I thought the veggie burger was a little mushy and bland, but, the bun was nice and the housemade chips were outstanding - really good fresh potato flavor and not greasy at all. Our server was also very good. As soon as we told her we had a show to get to she paced everything really well. The whole experience reminded me of this place MY parents used to take me as a kid growing up in Stevens Point, Wisconsin - Tinkler's. It had the same sort of atmosphere and was known for it's "California" burgers. As I recall, burgers with onions mixed in and topped w/ some sort of sour cream concoction. This was long before the days where people were concerned about making a "healthy choice" when dining out. Thanks again, Lynn

I was at the same show last night, and ate at Sedgwick's, where tickets were being handed out to contest winners -- meh. Burgers were nothing to write home about, onion rings were limp.

But right next to Park West is Bobtail Ice Cream, currently serving an outstanding Pumpkin Ice Cream. Distinct flavors of pumpkin, allspice, nutmeg, cinnamon, and ginger, creamy and delicious. MrsF's fudge swirl less wonderful but still good.

[Edit]Get there soon - they close for the season Nov 1.

Bobtail Ice Cream
338 W. Armitage
Chicago, IL 60614
773-248-1439
http:/wwww.bobtailicecream.com

LynnB wrote:Thanks all for the recs. I was leaning towards Stanley's until I mentioned Ron A.'s suggestion of R.J. Grunts to my husband.

Glad to hear that you enjoyed RJ Grunt's. I have not been there in several years, but I'll have to make it a point to get back there for a burger some time. We used to regularly stop in there after taking in the annual air and water show.

Going to Park West Theater for show on December 10th. What is a good restaurant within a mile of theater. Always wanted to go to Cafe Baba Rebas, is it good and is it close?

Cushman wrote:Going to Park West Theater for show on December 10th. What is a good restaurant within a mile of theater. Always wanted to go to Cafe Baba Rebas, is it good and is it close?

Cafe Ba Ba Reeba is okay. Not my favorite. If you're with a large group, it can be fun and festive. It's close to the Park West, but I'd say it's not walking distance in this cold.

Closer, and a personal favorite, is Riccardo Trattoria. Great, tasty Italian in a cozy room. RJ Grunts, mentioned earlier, is pretty solid and reasonable, but it isn't amazing food. I'd pick one of these two if I wanted to park my car only once and not have to walk far.

REB wrote:RJ Grunts, mentioned earlier, is pretty solid and reasonable, but it isn't amazing food. I'd pick one of these two if I wanted to park my car only once and not have to walk far.

Hard to recommend RJ Grunts for much more than its convenience (and perhaps its nostalgia value). Think TGIF or Chili's style, but take it up a notch and a half in quality. IMHO, to say that they serve a "good" burger is a bit of an overstatement. It wasn't a frozen, pre-formed patty, and they did try to cook it to temp, so I'll give them that. REB really likes the salad bar, but I'm not much of a salad bar guy. The Temperature Soup is a cute gimmick (and a heckuva bargain in the winter).

I've been twice (burger the first time, chili and buffalo wings the second) and left satisfied both times, but I'm not sending anyone there for the food.

Still looking for suggestions for Dec. 10 near Park West Theater.
Wife and I like small quaint places, does not need to be a restaurant. We are meeting another couple that we have not seen a while and would like it be a memorable time for all.
Thanks for your time.

I posted about RJ Grunts, but I haven't been there in a while. If I was going to a show at Park West and wanted something casual, I'd probably go to Stanley's for some Southern comfort food.

Cushman wrote:Still looking for suggestions for Dec. 10 near Park West Theater.
Wife and I like small quaint places, does not need to be a restaurant. We are meeting another couple that we have not seen a while and would like it be a memorable time for all.
Thanks for your time.

Did your post get merged in with a pre-existing thread? In any case, it might help to know more about why the other places mentioned in this thread aren't doing it for you. Admittedly, I wouldn't call Stanley's "quaint."

I've never been, but Geja's Café (fondue) is right there. It may qualify as quaint. Riccardo Trattoria has occasionally gotten some LTH love and isn't too far.

You may also want to try the "search LTH with Google Maps" trick to find board commentary on places in the vicinity.

Geja's Cafe
340 W Armitage Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 281-9101‎

Riccardo Trattoria‎
2119 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 549-0038