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Joan J.
Hometown:
CHICAGO, IL, 60618
Insider ExpertRank: 667
First Reviews: 73
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Goose Island Brewpub
Goose Island does a great job with this Clybourn location. If you want a pub experience, enter off of Willow and enjoy the big classic wood bar with TVs and smoke and music and a great social atmosphere and you never have to wait too long for one of their delicious unique brews. Or, feel free to bring the kids to the family-friendly, less noisy, non-smoking restaurant section (enter from the parking lot). They have high chairs and a kids menu, but mom & dad can still enjoy a good beer and a hearty choice from the well-rounded menu.
Evanston Historical Society
This gorgeous property is frozen in time. The tour was entertaining and informative and the staff was friendly and receptive to questions. In addition to the mansion itself, and the beautiful furnishings, there is a big room showcasing various ladies' fashions over the last 75 years or so. They will rent the house out for private parties which is a really cool idea.
Auto Cosmetic & White Glove
After pulling into the garage and choosing the services you want, you leave your car to the already furiously vacuuming service-people and go to the long windowed observation area. The mechanical part of the wash is gentle on the car, and afterward each car is hand-dried with good attention to detail. They also clean the windows inside and out and you are left with a very clean car!
Twinkle Toes
This new nail salon is on Belmont just west of Leavitt in one of the newly constructed buildings. The salon space is brand new, clean and minimalist. During a pedicure, they have the most comfortable massage chairs to sit in which you can adjust to your liking. The pedicure was not rushed and the foot massage was well done. Ditto for the manicure, and it was priced lower than most nail salons. A great value!
Fixture
This shop has a lot of good gifts and home accents, but tends to be a little pricey. There was a small section of unique wedding-related things that would be appropriate for a twenty-something bride. Most of the items were not particularly unique, but I did buy some deliciously scented candles, and the cashier girl was very nice.
Fantasy Kingdom
This place is such a welcome diversion! It's like an indoor park with a whole bunch of totally safe activities for kids. There are options for physical play (big open area for running around, giant climbing castle) and also make-believe (cute costumes and a mini town). There is a separate section for Under 2, which is good because when it's crowded, the bigger kids can get a little rough for the baby/toddler set. Make sure you wear socks since no shoes are allowed in the play area!
Willowbrook Ballroom & Banquet
The Willowbrook is one of the few remaining architectural icons in Chicago that is still standing from the golden age of dance halls. It's been around since the 20's and has some ornate design details that are just beautiful and so cool! The dance floor itself is a LARGE wooden floor that is perfect for a night of dancing. Sunday night swing starts with a large group class- no partner necessary and all levels participate from first-timers to old veterans. Then the DJ or band plays awesome swing music for several hours- and again, all levels of dancers get out on the floor. Random people ask each other to dance all the time so don't be shy!
Nandu Argentine Restaurant
I've been here twice in a group, and both times the owner treated us like we were long lost cousins of his. The whole place is cluttered with knick-knacks like you're in someone's giant living room. Once we ate there on a Tuesday night, and there was no use ordering off the menu. The owner/chef just cooked us whatever they had! It was truly like being in someone's home and we had a great time - definitely offbeat and a welcome change from the usual dining scene.
Kaze Sushi
Love this place! In the heart of Roscoe Village, the swanky decor instantly puts you in the mood for a fun night out with friends. The sushi is second to none and our server was very helpful and not condescending to our friends that were sushi newbies. Kaze also has outdoor seating in the summertime which is SO fun. Highly recommend.
Sun Auto Svc
I'm always nervous to try the independent repair places but this one was very good. Their prices were in line with another shop I got quotes from, and the folks at Sun were honest and respectful. They did the work on time and Hugo at the front desk was very friendly. I have had a couple of big jobs done here and have been satisfied both times.