Skokie Pre-Concert Restaurant?

Me and the Missus (39 and 33yo, respectively) are going to the Bruce Hornsby show Saturday night at the fka Centre East in Skokie.

Other than Cheesecake Factory, which I wan to avoid, where should we go for dinner? I would prefer not to be in a food coma for the show.

I will hang up and listen for my answer.

I think the perfect place would be:
Renga-Tei
3956 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL

It's a great, casual, Japanese restaurant, and I think it's just a couple of miles from Centre East. Reservations are useful on the weekends.

Jonah

Ruby of Siam is pretty much across the street, more than decent Thai.
If you want to eat at Old Orchard, the Bagel provides pretty good (though pricey) deli, and I still like California Pizza Kitchen there too, but there are folks who sneer at it.
EJ's Place I haven't been to for a while, but it's pretty good faux diner experience, just north of Old Orchard.
A couple blocks east on Golf is Charcoal Oven, it's a step back into the 60's supper clubs. Great friendly service.

All those are walking distance from the theater, and there's lots more.

Jonah wrote:I think the perfect place would be:
Renga-Tei
3956 W Touhy Ave, Lincolnwood, IL

Be sure to call first; they were undergoing renovations very recently due to a "drive-thru" accident.

It's probably no more than 3 mile away, Ttowa Dumpling House is always fun.
viewtopic.php?t=18013

Within walking distance, so you can just park the car once (in addition to the previously-mentioned Ruby of Siam):

Boston Blackie's, in the Doubletree, for burgers and sports bar fare
Bonefish Grill, for seafood
Maggiano's, for Italian

Boston Blackie's is right next door to Centre East, less than 100 feet away. The other two, like Ruby of Siam, are roughly a quarter mile walk away, i.e. a five-minute walk.

EJ's Place (north of Old Orchard Road), the places at the north end of Old Orchard (e.g. CPK), and Charcoal Oven are all at least 3/4 mile away, so it becomes debatable whether or not you consider them to be within walking distance.

I dunno, Bruce Hornsby and Maggiano's might be too much excitement for one night.

UBAA (Old Crawford Inn) on Crawford and Old Orchard Rd. Not too far out of your way, good burgers, a tasty meatloaf platter and specials are usually good too. Can't beat the price either.

taboun grill - Israeli food, or charcoal oven, would be my choices, all within 5 minutes

I'll add - Akai Hana - http://www.akaihanasushi.com/html/default.asp

rolledoats wrote:UBAA (Old Crawford Inn) on Crawford and Old Orchard Rd. Not too far out of your way, good burgers, a tasty meatloaf platter and specials are usually good too. Can't beat the price either.

I think Id second UBAA - fairly close by (just down the street, really), and, as you say, good burgers and specials.

Or, if youre in the mood for Middle-Eastern, there are 3 fine options a couple of minutes away - Pita Inn (which will probably be crowded), Basha, and Larsa (which has received much LTH-love in the past for a couple of their dishes). All 3 on Dempster in Skokie and a very short drive (with easily available parking).

c8w

cilantro wrote:I dunno, Bruce Hornsby and Maggiano's might be too much excitement for one night.

Bruce Hornsby is not the soft rock guy from the 80s. If he was, I wouldn't be going. But I get the point about Maggiano's.

I had forgotten about the UBAA Tap. I would go there after a friend's golf outing many moons ago. Thanks!

globetrotter wrote:taboun grill - Israeli food, or charcoal oven, would be my choices, all within 5 minutes

FYI - Taboun Grill is not open on Saturdays.

Joe Blough wrote:Bruce Hornsby is not the soft rock guy from the 80s. If he was, I wouldn't be going.

Is there another Bruce Hornsby that I don't know about?
I believe you are going to see the "soft rock guy from the 80's"
He might be playing different music, but it is the same guy.

cito wrote:

Joe Blough wrote:Bruce Hornsby is not the soft rock guy from the 80s. If he was, I wouldn't be going.

Is there another Bruce Hornsby that I don't know about?
I believe you are going to see the "soft rock guy from the 80's"
He might be playing different music, but it is the same guy.

Fair enough, Mr. Literal. Concertgoers hoping to hear '80s ballads will be sorely disappointed.

Joe Blough wrote:Fair enough, Mr. Literal. Concertgoers hoping to hear '80s ballads will be sorely disappointed.

have a good time @ the show, I know I enjoyed Bruce when he was playing the The Grateful Dead from 1990 & 1992. that boy can play the piano, and accordian. He wasnt playing soft rock thats for sure.