Bluebird, Think or Volo?

So, normally I have too many ideas of where I would like to go to eat, but that's because I'm adventurous, only have to pay for myself and don't go out on the weekends. But, I'm celebrating my birthday with friends who have budget concerns and more food qualms than me.

I'd like to go someplace that's not too filling as we'll probably be venturing out afterwards and I hate to do that with the "too full" feeling. Because we'll probably be going out in the Near North/North side of Chicago I'd like to pick a restaurant reasonably close (although a cab ride is fine). Average entree under $20. BYOB is okay. And, of course, I still want someplace with really good food. I thought about Avec, but they don't take reservations and our group may be up to 10 so that seems risky. Otom? Too heavy?

Any ideas?

One answer is in your title to this topic. Think about it.

Think
2235 N. Western Ave., Chicago
(773) 394-0537

Middle eastern is my go to cuisine for these types of situations. Plenty of simple grilled meats and veggies for the non adventurous eaters, but also lots of more interesting options for the rest of us. Kan Zaman and Andalous both have good food in festive atmospheres worthy of a celebratory evening, and both would fit your price criterion rather easily. Plenty of "going out" options in both neighborhoods too. Kan Zaman has the added advantage - if you see it that way - of a gorgeous and outstandingly talented bellydancer.

Kan Zaman
617 N Wells St
(312) 751-9600

Andalous
3307 N. Clark St
(773) 281-6885

How about Tango Sur?
Although the dishes are largely meat-based, many of the items can be shared.
I also agree with the Think suggestion.
IMO, it's one of the best restaurants in the city for the price.

Kan Zaman is a good suggestion.

For Italian, you could try Coco Pazzo Cafe on St. Clair. I think that would fit your budget.

I'm also kind of a fan of Big Bowl on Cedar (gasp) which although not particularly authentic, has good food, fun cocktails, etc. It's no Avec, but I always seem to have a good time there. For whatever reason, I've never been a fan of the BB on Ohio.

Frasca is good for a group: good drinks, nice atmosphere, pizza & antipasto for sharing or individual depending on how hungry you are.

Also Cafe Babareeba is a fun place for a celebration, there's something for everyone on the menu and it is not too pricey.

I believe both take reservations.

Frasca Pizzeria & Wine Bar
3358 N Paulina St
Chicago 60657

Cafe Babareeba
2024 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614

Thanks for the suggestions. I think I've narrowed it down to three options - Bluebird, Think or Volo. The only one I've been to is Volo, which I love. Think's menu looks interesting, but I'm worried the portions may be too big and the average entree price seems a little high (of course you do save on alcohol). I like the idea of small plates so Bluebird may be an option, but is there anything healthy (or semi-healthy) there? As I said, I rather not have that too full feeling.

I'm already on record for not caring for Bluebird's food. (I will say no more.) Think, is okay in my book but given the generally crowded nature of the place, I'm not sure that lingering would be appreciated. It's also a really tight restaurant and fitting in 10 would be tough. That leaves Volo, which I think is a good option.

I will say the one time I went to Volo with a group, it was a pricier night than we were used to. I think part of the problem was that we split the bill evenly because we were all sharing food, but the alcohol consumption was unbalanced. Our group of 8 had close to a $500 bill.

I've not been, but would Hot Chocolate fit the bill? Spacca Napoli could also be fun for a group, but might be too far north.

My one experience at Think was negative enough to keep it low on the list of places to try again. It was also more expensive than I expected for a BYO.

-The GP

I've not been, but would Hot Chocolate fit the bill? Spacca Napoli could also be fun for a group, but might be too far north.

I've only been to Hot Chocolate once and had an unfortunately bad experience. I will probably try again, but not for my birthday. SN is indeed a little far north, but maybe La Madia?

It was also more expensive than I expected for a BYO.

That was kind of my impression from some other reviews...

I think I'm getting even more confused.

The GP wrote:My one experience at Think was negative enough to keep it low on the list of places to try again. It was also more expensive than I expected for a BYO.

johnny wrote:I also agree with the Think suggestion.
IMO, it's one of the best restaurants in the city for the price.

Are BYOBs expected to be inexpensive? It certainly wasn't the case with Schwa. While Think isn't quite in that category, I've never had a bad experience there, and based on my last visit, they've lightened up the signature white asparagus appetizer a bit.

And if it's too light for you, you can always go next door for a slab of ribs at Honey 1.

nr706 wrote:Are BYOBs expected to be inexpensive? It certainly wasn't the case with Schwa. While Think isn't quite in that category, I've never had a bad experience there, and based on my last visit, they've lightened up the signature white asparagus appetizer a bit.

I realize not all BYO's are inexpensive. My impression of Think was that it was a mid-priced restaurant with great food and BYO, which meant some cost savings. We spent a lot of money there for mediocre food and poor front of the house service. There are enough people on LTH who are fans of Think that may encourage me to try again.

But enough about me, poor figmolly still doesn't have a destination! Sol de Mexico would be great, but is too far west. There are many fans of Salpicon. Maybe that would be an option?

The GP wrote:But enough about me, poor figmolly still doesn't have a destination! Sol de Mexico would be great, but is too far west. There are many fans of Salpicon. Maybe that would be an option?

Salpicon is a good option. You could do small plates or split entrees, and the excellent liquor and wine list should satisfy all types of drinkers.

If you are the ten top that called volo for a reservation for tonight, please stop by and say hi at the kitchen!!

Erik

I'll be honest: the last time I went to Volo, I had a so-so experience. Their wine was fantastic and a couple of the dishes were good, but no one at my table was impressed. If it were me, I'd be more likely to try something different -- Think sounds like a good option because you'd save money on drinks, and it's something new to try.

I also think Salpicon sounds like a good idea, too. I've never been there, but I had a great experience at Sol de Mexico --- upscale / regional Mexican is always a delight, in my opinion.

Hope wherever you choose, you all enjoy it! Let us know.

If you are the ten top that called volo for a reservation for tonight, please stop by and say hi at the kitchen!!

Nope. Our dinner is not until the 19th, but if I decide on Volo I'll peek my head into the kitchen and look for you, Erik.

upscale / regional Mexican is always a delight, in my opinion.

Mine too, unfortunately this is not the case with one of my (very important) guests.

My problem is trying to make everyone happy. Most options are still on the table, but I'd really like to decide today. I think that I've ruled Think out because I'd like to go somewhere that has small plates and I hate to linger when we're not purchasing anything (i.e. if we're still drinking, but done eating).

try people lounge or forno, both are in wicker park. people is tapas, forno offers small plates.

I's vote for someplace you can make reservations. With 10 people I would think it would be hard to just walk in... Luckily lots of places that don't normally take reservations do take them for groups...

(and Erik - what name do we ask for you by? Sushi or Erik? I'll definitely say hi next time we are in...)

Does anyone know if Bluebird takes reservations? I tried to call, but no luck.

People is not a bad idea - I am an advocate after a few good meals this summer.

But I also do like Bluebird. I believe that they do NOT take reservations, but that you're not going to have a problem getting in; still, it can't hurt to call again at 5-ish. I recommend the mac and cheese, steak, and frites (with curry ketchup, ignore the aioli), coupled with olives and a self-created salumi selection. The small bites (mushroom, lomo) are tasty but overpriced.

Let me add Quartino to the mix. Not a BYOB, but if you concentrate on openers and pizzas you can certainly keep the price down, and it's a good place for a fun occasion:

http://www.quartinochicago.com/

Yeah, Quartino is not on the north side exactly, but their prices are very reasonable (especially the wine) and I really enjoyed my last meal there. There's plenty of places in the area to go have a drink or three.

Someone mentioned Frasca -- I've been there a couple times. It's a pretty decent place; plus, there's Bourbon right around the corner if you like whiskey (I may have a bias there - they have an great selection) and Waterhouse as well which is good for drinks.