Quartino
Location - 626 N State St
http://www.quartinochicago.com/
In one word – Vino
Food – Come here for Italian tapas. Quickie portions of pizza, bruschetta, pasta, meats and cheese (we know how I do love the cheese). I haven’t found any of these items to be amazing, but this is one of those places where the scene is more important than the food.
Drink – The whole shtick here is “the wine is cheaper than the water,” like any good Italian restaurant. You can buy your wine by the “quartino” which is 2/3 of a bottle. Ask the staff for assistance on choosing wine. I like that the portions for wine are small enough that you can change it up during the meal without blacking out.
Service – The staff has good intentions but each time I’m here it seems as though the restaurant is understaffed.
Scene – By filling this place up to capacity and keeping the walking area minimal around tables, this place feels like a scene. The crowd is a mix of corporate groups, girl friend get-togethers, dates and tourists. Fun place to people watch.
Occasion – The place is loud, so it’s a good place for superficial conversations where you can nod and smile a lot.
Dress – Jeans and heels with an urban chic attitude and you’ll impress all the tourists.
Cost – It really is a bang for your buck. Expect to pay $20 – 30 and you’ll be full.
If you like…, try – Carnivale, Nacional 27
Randolph Tasting Room
Location - 1415 W Randolph, http://www.tlcwine.com/TastingRoom.html
In one word – Flight
Food – I wouldn’t come here if you’re famished. The food is really good, but it won’t hold you over for the long haul. In terms of what to order, anything that has bacon wrapped dates has my vote. And the cheese. The cheese alone is reason to check this place out.
Drink – “Tasting room” refers to the wine list. This place is a wine joint, so leave your craving for a Miller at Duffy’s. Take advantage of the tasting portions and the flights to get the bang for your buck.
Service – No complaints here. The staff was willing to give me recommendations, where were particularly appreciated given my novice understanding of wine.
Occasion – The restaurant has a loft feel to it – with the exposed brick walls and low lit lighting. Ideal for a date. Those of us who are not lucky enough to get a date might find this place also appropriate for a night out with the girls where you can judge those couples on dates on RTR’s cushy couches.
Dress – There doesn’t seem to be a hard and fast rule for this place. You’d be totally fine in jeans and heels (gals) or jeans and a button down (guys). More formal is acceptable too if you’re headed here after doing something uber cultural like the theater or ballet.
Cost – I think I paid something like $34.38 for my half of the pizza and bacon covered dates in addition to two glasses of wine. Not too bad in my opinion.
If you liked…, try – Avec
