DML wrote:Is that a pit bull at the next table? I'm a huge fan of dogs in cafes, but sitting next to a pit would bother me a bit.

I was in Stop and Drink (742 N. Clark) a few nights ago, and was surprised to see several dogs cavorting about between the bar stools. They weren't barking or fierce and seemed friendly and fun so I was fine with all that. I asked the barmaid if this wasn't, perhaps, in violation of some health code, and she assured me that as long as they're not serving food there (pretzels and beer don't count), it's cool.

Incidentally, Stop and Drink has a surprisingly large selection of draft beers (three-beer flights of anything on tap). Much nicer place than I'd expected (the space has been serving booze for decades, but got a face lift in the last 10 years of so).

While the sign still says Stop and Drink, I believe the more formal name of the establishment is The Clark Street Ale House.

deesher wrote:While the sign still says Stop and Drink, I believe the more formal name of the establishment is The Clark Street Ale House.

You are correct...yet when I was called out the other night to celebrate a buddy's divorce, he said "Meet us at Stop and Drink" and I knew immediately where he meant because the signage name is so simplistic and cool and suggests an arresting kind of slow-down-and-smell-the-Four-Roses attitude that one cannot help but admire, remember and emulate.

It says "defiantly, aggressively 'old man' bar." Which I love, because I'm a defiant, aggressive old man.

For years I've been saying I gotta go in that place. Maybe this is the year.

riddlemay wrote:It says "defiantly, aggressively 'old man' bar." Which I love, because I'm a defiant, aggressive old man.

For years I've been saying I gotta go in that place. Maybe this is the year.

Definitely check it out when the weather warms up a little, so you can enjoy the emptiest, most peaceful beer garden in the neighborhood. Just do it while the sun's still up or you'll find yourself drinking in near-pitch-black conditions (unless you're into that ).

They've got an awesome jukebox too, it's not one of those obnoxious internet ones (unless they "upgraded" within the past couple of months, which would be a bummer).

Ever since Celtic Crossings got bought out & got the internet jukebox, flatscreen TV, and stupid drink specials ($5 Margaritas on Sunday, at what was once the most authentic Irish pub in town ), Clark St Ale House has become our neighborhood go-to.

riddlemay wrote:It says "defiantly, aggressively 'old man' bar." Which I love, because I'm a defiant, aggressive old man.

For years I've been saying I gotta go in that place. Maybe this is the year.

You may be disappointed. Aside from our table, the average age of young men and women in the bar seemed around 30 (but that's around 210 in dog years).

A disappointing first visit.

The escargot was the texture of very overcooked octopus and the butter and garlic must have been dumped on after cooking because there was no hint of flavor. I actually sent it back after one bite but the server misunderstood. (And no, he was not French.)
The beet salad was $5.00 but I would have paid more for beets that had been properly cleaned and fully roasted.
The foie gras was overcooked and over salted.

The music was promising with a piano and soloist. Sadly, Frank Sinatra tunes were the only offering. I expected something different from a French restaurant, but I should have been prepared since Janet Jackson was playing on the stereo when we arrived.

I won't be returning.

cheeseburglar wrote:I won't be returning.

And neither will anyone else, apparently . . .

Old Town Brasserie closes its doors

Lorene Yue @ Crain's wrote:Old Town Brasserie served its last meal on Sunday before closing its doors and turning the keys over to new owners.

"We just sold the place," said veteran restaurateur Bob Djahanguiri. "They made me an offer I couldn't refuse."

He declined to name the new owners or the concept they have planned for the spot at 1209 N. Wells St.

=R=