As they say in life, you play the hand your dealt. But what if you could just buy the whole deck instead? Well luckily you can! If you are anything like me, you easily get stuck in you own Chicago neighborhood bubble. It’s close, it’s comfortable and why mess with a good thing right? Well here are two easy ways to help you get out or your restuarant rut without the effort.
1. A La Card Chicago – I found this in the bottom of my stocking this past Christmas. Amazing how Santa knows best. It comes with 52 cards, each representing a different Chicago restuarant (see website for the list). It tells you the type of cuisine, neighborhood, price range and even includes a little paragraph of all the highlights. And the best thing of all? Each card is a $10 gift card!!! Just go to 3 restaurants and it has paid for itself. Talk about a great excuse. You can buy this for $32.50 plus tax (includes shipping fee). If you don’t want to pay for shipping, check out the list of local places that sell A La Card here.
2. The Drink Deck – It doesn’t take a genius to figure this one out. Basically the same idea as the first one…just adult beverages instead. Talk about an even better excuse. Check out the website to see the list of places included. Spend a minimum of $30 on food and/or drinks and receive either $10 off or a 20-30% discount on your bill. Upside about these cards is they DO NOT EXPIRE. Total is $44.95 with shipping and handling. You can also pick this up at any of the big four Binnys locations in Chicago. Going green? You can get it on your iPhone! Going on Spring Break? Consider Drink Deck your “Bar Enthusiast’s Tour Guide” with the New Orleans, Miami and Portland decks! And it won’t take up much room in your carry on either.
***So now to the good part. I am going to GIVE AWAY one free A La Card Chicago Deck and one free Chicago Drink Deck. I will be doing it two ways. 1. Whoever gives me the best new restuarant/activity idea (specifically for Chicago) and 2. By random. Just write in the comment section below to be considered! It can be something that is great to do with friends, family or your lover. I will announce the winner this Friday. May the best man win!
References: Chicagoist, Chicago Free Info, Drink Deck, A La Card, Binnys
Nick, thanks for the post on Drink Deck! If you would like to get a copy of Drink Deck to give out to your following, please let us know. Contact us at thedrinkdeck@gmail.com. We just put our product back on sale again for $29.99 and the iPhone app is just $19.99.
I don’t think this is a new idea, but a night out to Gibson’s is always & will forever be my favorite. But be sure to go on Friday b/c the only serve the lobster bisque that night.
Check out Sprout in Lincoln Park. “Top Chef” runner-up Dale Levitski recently opened this French-American restaurant. It’s cozy and modern at the same time; definitely a perfect date spot. Be sure to order the egg dish that comes with pork belly and frites (fries), and truffle oil I believe. Its amazing!
I am a sushi fan so one of my favorites spots is Sunda in river north. I really like the atmosphere and their baked seafood dynamite roll is fantastic!!
Hands down Wilde Bar & Restaurant in Lakeview. Solid service, excellent food and wicked martini’s makes it an all around great place for two or a party of 12. Not to mention they have a fireplace and the ambience is fantastic.
I love this! What a great way to get a taste of Chicago on a budget!
Great posts everyone! This is such a nice way to keep in the loop of all that’s going on in the Chi! This isn’t a new restaurant but we absolutely LOVE The Chicago over pizza grinder, in Lincoln Park. It is our go to spot for out of town guests! If you have been there more than once, the owner will remember your face and come up and greet you back. Very inviting atmosphere. They serve pizza in a pot pie and it is delicious! *vegetarian as well. Also make sure to get the Mediterranean flat bread and Chef salad, a must! You will certainly leave very full, but it’s worth it!
Chilli’s.
Just kidding… My vote would be Shiso, a cozy little byob sushi joint on Wells in Old Town. This sushi is fantastic and very reasonably priced. The Latin and Volcano rolls are my personal favorites–the spicier the better! But make sure you call ahead, table space is limited.
Davanti Enoteca, I know there’s been a lot of buzz about this place recently but after you’ve eaten there you understand why. The food is amazing, small plates so you can try a bit of everything, and the wine is cheap! Great date spot or place to go with your girlfriends. Believe me it’s worth the trek to Little Italy! It’s only about 5 minutes away from the United Center so you can hit it up after a Bulls or Blackhawks game! Word of warning though, they don’t take reservations so try going early or late or be prepared to wait a while.
My favorite place to eat in the city is Topo Gigio in Old Town on Wells. It is the most authentic Italian food you can get without an eight hour plane ride! Everything I have had there has been delicious!
A personal favorite is Orso’s on Wells St. Perfect for a date or a night out with friends. For dessert make sure to try the new place next door, Kilwin’s. Known for their fudge and chocolate, they also feature unusual ice cream flavors. Be sure to try the Cinnamon Crumb Cake and Toasted Coconut!
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another great idea from a great blog! This is helpful for us suburban folks who venture to the city from time to time 🙂
Try Kan Zaman 617 N. Wells in River North. With its festive Mediterranean décor, delicious food, and belly dancers how can you go wrong? Oh wait, it gets better…Kan Zaman is a B.Y.O.B. Ideal for large groups and girl’s nights out! For starters try the vegetarian platter served with hummos, tabouleh, baba ghannouj, falafel, dolma, feta cheese and olive oil. For your entre try out one of the varieties of kabobs. Central to all the action that Chicago’s River north has to offer, you wont want to miss this jump off.
First of all, I want to thank everyone for your comments! Some spectacular suggestions. Since I had such a hard time deciding, I selected 2 people at random. (I swear it was random…I even have a witness).
And the winners are (drum roll please!)…Jessica (Shiso) and Anna (Davanti Enoteca). Congratulations to the both of you! Email me at nichnelson1 at gmail dot com so I can get your mailing addresses.
Thanks again everyone!
Jessica. Look for a Chicago Drink Deck coming your way for winning! Become a fan and learn more at http://www.facebook.com/drinkdeck
Congrats, Jessica and Anna. I know I missed the deadline but wanted to throw out two ideas for future posts.
1) Drinks Over Dearborn: They have great cocktail, wine and some beer classes. My not make the best first date because the person may think you are trying to get them drunk but a great couple or third date. Designated driver a must.
2) Flight Deck Chicago: Learned about this restaurant tour last year but haven’t tried it yet. You get to tour and taste three restaurant and meet the chefs. I am dying to try West Town Flight #002 – Mexique, Green Zebra and Branch 27.
I think my relationship with this blog has lasted longer that many I’ve had as a 20-something; and I don’t hate it.
Ashley, thank you so much for the wonderful ideas! Love love love Flight Deck Chicago. I will definitely be checking that one out soon…