Dinner near Old town school of folk music

On Feb 1 at 10 pm, I am seeing a show at the Old Town School of Folk Music and I am looking for dinner ideas near by. I would prefer a place that takes reservations but I could wait up to 45 minutes as long as it is not outside or my wife kill me.

Thanks for the help.

What kind of place are you looking for? I like Bad Apple for burgers, I've had lunch at the Mediterranean Grill and enjoyed that. I've heard the Indian place is pretty good.

Though I haven't yet made it to Gather, it is a well-liked newcomer to the neighborhood.

Other places I enjoy, off the top of my head:

Tiny Lounge - good cocktails and respectable shareables menu in a loungey ambiance (no reservations)

Fork - wine bar and range of dinner options (yes reservations)

Aroy Thai (or Rainbow Thai if you love food, but ambiance does not matter at all) - both BYOB, no reservations

Bistro Campagne (yes reservations)

Fountainhead - fantastic beer and whiskey selection and pretty good food (no reservations)

I'm also a huge fan of Bad Apple (mentioned upthread). I never tried the Mediterranean Grill or the Indian place because of all the other great places that serve those cuisines outside of Lincoln Square. But if you have a hankering ... you're really only limited by what you're in the mood for.

Due Lire has gotten some positive reviews and takes reservations. I've been to Fork a few times and have enjoyed it. The Grafton can be decent. You can search on Open Table for Lincoln Square to availability at some of these suggested restaurants.

Due Lire
4520 N. Lincoln, Chicago
773-275-7878
http://www.due-lire.com/

Fork
4600 N. Lincoln, Chicago
773-751-1500
http://forkchicago.net/

The Grafton
4350 N. Lincoln, Chicago
773-271-9000
http://www.thegrafton.com/

Thanks for the great suggestions. I know that sticky rice is not too far. How long is the wait and is it in doors.

I really enjoyed Gather when I went several months ago. I loved ambiance of the outdoor seating area in the back (though probably not relevant this time of year) and found the dishes to be well prepared, if not particularly innovative. I remember the pacing of the meal being a little off - very long waits between some dishes - but it was a busy night.

Revisited Due Lire a week or two ago and it's still a great neighborhood option. Fantastic, warm service and better than average Italian dishes.

Other favorites in the area that haven't been mentioned yet -

- Los Nopales (Western & Wilson) for, IMO, the best carne asada around. Takes reservations and gets quite busy on the weekends. BYO.

- Julius Meinl (Lincoln & Montrose). Better known for breakfast/lunch but they are open for dinner, have good hearty Austrian dishes, and often live music (jazz or classical) on weekend evenings. No alcohol.

Sticky Rice is not walking distance. If you want Thai, go to Opart on Western by Eastwood. Only a few blocks from venue, usually no wait. BYOB.

Gather was really good on a recent visit. Steak tartare was a standout.

Fork is a regular spot for us. Always a good meal.

Thanks for all the great ideas. I was set to get reservations at Due Lire. I picked up my Michelin Guide to read about it and noticed that Elizabeth was half a mile away. They had an opening at 6:30 for two. I called them and asked if I would be able to make my 10 pm show. They said no problem. I snagged the tickets online. I am sure I will be in the area again for a future show. At that time I will try Due Lire or Gather. I might stop at Fountainhead and drink a Pappy before the show. Thanks again.

Love your plan

Enjoy your evening!!

Yep, that's a winner of an evening, for sure. But do check out Gather on a future visit. I second the steak tartare recommendation. One of the better renditions I've had.

Finally made it to Gather. We saw George Winston Thursday night. It was crowded when we got there at 6:15. They only had seats at the kitchen counter. I actually enjoyed that more than I would have a regular table. It was exciting watching the three cooks prepare food in the small space that is the kitchen. The ingredients are fresh and they happily answered any questions we had. Everything was great. We had the Brussel sprouts and cured salmon as appetizers. I preferred the salmon and my wife the sprouts. For dinner we had the chicken and cod. Both were great, though we both thought the chicken was better. As we were leaving to make the show, we had 10 minutes to spare, Chef Ken Carter quickly gave us a Beignet with ice cream. It was a nice finish to a delicious meal.