Chicago.com
On New Years, the early bird really does get the worm. So buy your tickets quick! Always stay posted to the www.Chicago.com events page for holiday information.
Uncle Fatty’s(2833 North Sheffield Avenue) in Lakeview is always a best bet to have a rockin time. $80 early or regular price $90 that includes food buffet, premium drink package 8pm-2am, party favors, Champagne toast, and a cover band.
Buy tickets at www.unclefatty.com
Leg Room (7 w. Division St.) for $60 dollars you can get their VIP package (that means you are guaranteed entrance folks, before midnight). General admission is $20 dollars after 11 (based on space, snooze ya lose) includes Champagne toast, party favors, balloon blasts, celebrate until 4am.
Buy ticket @ www.legroomchicago.com
Rockit bar and grill(22 w. Hubbard St.) general and private packages available starting at $95 dollars includes premium open bar, passed Hors d’oeuvres and a dinner buffet.
Buy tickets @ www.tickets.com with the keyword rockit.
No drinking and driving. New Years is about celebrating and starting a fresh new year, not getting smashed and when the ball drops you are fast asleep. Nobody wants to start off their new year carrying you home (especially my friends). Remember drink responsibly and Have fun!
Your cousin,
Vinnie
1. La Crêperie
2845 N. Clark
Lakeview East
(773) 528-9050
It was a pleasure to eat my way around the Second City to find these 10 buck treats. Well, here you go. Their menu has beautiful, savory crêpes that make for a hearty and enjoyable dinner. Plate-sized squares of folded buckwheat crêpe is placed in front of you, filled with anything from creamy chicken and mushrooms, ratatouille to beef bourguignon. One of my favorites was the coq au vin.
Average plate price: $7.00 – $9.50
2. Cafe ba- ba -reeba’s
2024 N. Halsted St
Lincoln Park
(773) 935-5000
I think Tapas means cram as many of these great appetizers in your mouth as you can fit, just kidding actually it is Spanish for small portion but believe me that is not what you get. This place is packed room to beautifully decorated room with Spanish motif and tons of people. Some of their fresh and Quality ingredients include zesty Manchego cheese, full-bodied olive oil, tangy anchovies and spicy chorizo that fill the menu. Thick bacon is wrapped around juicy dates and roasted, and sherry tomato sauce tops tiny, tender meatballs.
Average Plate Price: $6.00 – $12.00
3. Mr. Salsa
1025 West Montrose Avenue
Uptown
(773) 880-0355
This cozy but quaint Mexican restaurant is an excellent choice for someone looking for a great Mexican fare at a great price. If you are looking for a fancy Mexican dish, you can probably get it there but that is not what they are known for. They have the best burritos, truly as big as your head (and I am not talking about those places that fill their burritos with rice) and all that you get for less than $10.00. Trust me, I have visited a lot of burrito places over the years in Chicago, and so far none has come close to Mr. Salsa. Burrito
Average Plate Price: $6.00 – $10.00
4. Ramova Grill
3510 S Halsted Street
(773) 847-9058
Bridgeport
All right, you are not going to find Miley Cyrus munching around in there, but you may bump into Mayor Daley or his brother. This small local joint has been a staple of the Bridgeport Neighborhood for over 80 years, and if you look at their menu I don’t think their prices have changed much in those 80 years. I had a bowl of their world famous chili, a burger an order of fries and a never ending glass of coke for 8 bucks. For breakfast or lunch you are not going to hurt your pocketbook eating some of this awesome food.
5. Brandy’s
5200 S. Cicero Avenue
(773)767-0400
Garfield Ridge
I have to assume this joint was really exciting in the late 1970’s. Now you can find a dinner for less than ten bucks and find some news on the boob tube. I would say Elvis Presley may have eaten the steak and eggs here while waiting for a plane. The decor is out dated, prices are low, and the menu is extensive. A very good explanation of this place is that it is a low budget IHOP, with liquor. Service is like every other diner in the Midwest: an overweight, unmarried, middle-aged woman, who isn’t afraid to tell you when she’s going on a smoke break. The gyros were great and their cream of chicken soup was even better.
Average Price $9.00 – 11.00
Check back Monday for the second part of the 10 best restaurants under $10.