Chicago, long known only for it’s hot dogs and pizza, has become a certifiable foodie mecca. Exciting new restaurants are opening up daily, reflecting the melting pot that is the “second city”. However, eating out can be pricey, especially if you like to enjoy a drink or two with your meal. Thankfully, Chicago offers a plethora of “BYOB” – bring your own bottle – dining establishments, allowing you to provide your own libations while enjoying a restaurants food and ambiance. How does this save you money? Well, considering that the average restaurant markup on bottles of wine is somewhere around 300%, you’re cutting a significant portion off your total bill by brown-bagging your vino.
“Great”, you may say, “BYOB… but where I do find these places? And which one’s are worth eating at?” It’s true the range in quality offered by these BYOB restaurants is broad. However, fear not – as a foodie and resident Chicago expert, I’ve taken plenty of time to discover some diamonds in the culinary rough. Here are my current “Top 3” BYOB restaurants for you to try:
1) Fattoush Restaurant – 2652 N. Halsted, Chicago, IL, (312) 327-2652. Fattoush boasts some of the best Lebanese cuisine I’ve ever had. A small, cozy and comfortable place, Fattoush offers an ambiance that is equally appropriate for groups of friends, as well as romantic duos. The owner is always bustling around, making sure each and every customer gets exactly what they want. From the appetizer menu, be sure to try the dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), $5.65, or the fantastic, creamy homemade hummus, $5.35. Off the main menu, the combo platters are the way to go: choose three meat items for the grill, served over bed of fluffy Lebanese rice with slivered almonds, $15.65. A nice, easy drinking bottle of Pinot Noir pairs perfectly with anything on the menu.
2) Coast Sushi – 2045 N. Damen, Chicago, IL, (773) 235-5775. Coast is hot – be sure to make reservations – but well worth the trouble. The low prices on their menu and the BYOB factor defy the freshness and high quality of their food offerings. Located in Bucktown / Wicker Park, this place is one of the hippest restaurants in town, with friendly waitstaff and a fun atomasphere. Be sure to try a variety of thier specialty sushi rolls, in addition to their appetizers, like the Gomaae Salad, $5.00, and the Tuna Tartare, $10.00. Bring a bottle of cold saki to sip.
3) Radhuni Indian Kitchen – 3227 N. Clark, Chicago, IL, (773) 404-5670. Radhuni is a newer establishment, but their focus on traditional Indian cuisine in a pleasant space shines. The menu is huge, sure to satisfy whatever your curry cravings desire, but they are known for their special nut Naan bread (made with pistachios, it could almost pass as a dessert). The tandoor chicken (marinated in yogurt and well-spiced) is another star standout. To complement all the spicy flavors, bring along a bottle of Shiraz.
Whatever your craving, one of these 3 stellar dining spots is sure to satisfy your stomach, without depleting your wallet!
