10 comfy, cozy Chicago restaurants, bars and cafes to try during winter
When the temperature drops and the snow flurries fall, the idea of staying in bed and wrapping myself in a warm blanket sounds appealing. But then, my stomach grumbles.
If nourishing myself requires leaving a cozy cave of my own making, I often look for restaurants, bars and cafes that exude the same warm, homey vibe. Think dim lighting, fireplaces and delicious food. Or eateries that sell comfort foods that taste great, but don’t break the bank. Affordability is cozy for my budget.
Here’s 10 standouts in Chicago.
Chief O’Neill’s
As far as Irish pubs go, this one’s a classic. With a former Chicago police superintendent as its namesake, Chief O’Neill’s has operated in Avondale for more than 20 years. Along with a comprehensive beer list, there’s aptly named craft cocktails. My favorite is probably The Red-Haired Lass with Jameson Black Barrel Irish whiskey and fresh strawberries.
They also have a hearty selection of “Emerald Isle Favorites,” such as chicken mushroom pot pie, Guinness-infused meatloaf and a Dublin broil. On occasion, there’s performances of live, classic Irish music to enjoy.
3471 N. Elston Ave., (773) 583-3066, chiefoneillspub.com
Club Lucky
Exuding the charm of a 1940s supper club, Club Lucky is well-loved in Bucktown for its traditional Italian food and signature martinis (which you can sip on at a swanky cocktail lounge). Even though the holidays are over, their decorations made me feel right at home.
From homemade lasagna to ravioli to tortellini, the pasta selection has all the staples that pair nicely with the tiramisu or chocolate layer cake. Interestingly, it’s also routinely made a local list for “most unusual places to vote.”
1824 W. Wabansia Ave., (773) 227-2300, clubluckychicago.com
Four Moon Tavern
This Roscoe Village bar beckons you inside with a bright blue and yellow sign featuring — you guessed it — four moons. Inside, it’s the quintessential friendly neighborhood tavern. There’s wood panels, a pool table and great service.
Their menu is a collection of typical bar food — cheeseburgers, sloppy Joes and, my personal favorite, the beer-battered fish and chips. The beer and cider menus are also lengthy, and drinks are sold for a relatively inexpensive price.
1847 W. Roscoe St., (773) 929-6666, fourmoontavern.com
Indie Cafe
With a pages-long menu featuring Japanese and Thai cuisine inspired by the owners’ passion for art, this Edgewater restaurant offers upscale ambience without overly expensive prices. Eye-catching art fills the walls and you can watch chefs prepare your food at the sushi bar.
I’ve visited a few times, and the sushi has always been fresh — including their $8.50 Philadelphia and $12 Chicago Crazy rolls. The noodle and curry dishes have also never disappointed.
5951 N. Broadway, (773) 561-5111, indiecafe.us
Park and Field
There’s a fireside lounge, enough said. Logan Square’s vintage sports bar and restaurant boasts sprawling couches, lots of televisions and a lengthy drinks menu, including spiked slushies. There’s a lot of different food to snack on, from $12 buffalo chicken nuggets to a $16 smokehouse burger.
Plus, they have viewing parties for “The Real Housewives” on Wednesdays, so it’s basically like I never left my apartment.
3509 W. Fullerton Ave., (773) 360-7373, parkandfieldchicago.com
Pearl’s Place
Did I grow up in the South, or even live there for any significant length of time? No. But if you were to ask me the cuisine I find most comforting, the first thing that comes to mind is Southern soul food. A fixture in Bronzeville, Pearl’s Place serves homestyle foods for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In addition to their regular menu — which includes offerings like shrimp and cheesy grits and country fried steak — there’s a buffet for all three meals. The buffet costs about $30 or less, depending on the day and time. They’ve even been featured in a Bud Light commercial.
3901 S. Michigan Ave., (773) 285-1700, pearlsplacerestaurant.com
Podhalanka
A Noble Square mainstay, this old-school, authentic Polish restaurant is known for Eastern European staples like potato pancakes and blintzes. Or, as they’re listed on the menu, placki ziemniaczane and nalesniki.
The standout for me — as someone who grew up with an appreciation for these tasty dumplings in Pittsburgh — are the pierogies. Options include cabbage, meat or potato and cheese. The restaurant’s homey decorations and tables almost feel like you’re eating at your grandma’s kitchen table. Do note that this restaurant is cash only.
1549 W. Division St., (773) 486-6655, podhalankachicago.com
Qiao Lin Hotpot
To me, eating hot pot has always been something fun to do with friends — a cozy group cooking activity, if you will. Located in the 88 Marketplace building just west of Chinatown, Qiao Lin Hotpot’s ingredients and flavors create the Chongqing-style hot pot.
You start by selecting a broth — mushroom and herbal chicken, just to name a couple. From short rib to scallop to meatballs, there’s a variety of options to add to your order. There’s also some adventurous ingredients, such as marinated beef tongue and duck gizzard.
2105 S. Jefferson St., Suite A, (312) 600-9779, qiaolinhotpot.com
Schweet Cheesecake
What started as a small takeout business has grown into an Austin cafe that caters to both your sweet and savory side. For about $20, you can order a stew — chicken and sausage gumbo and chili are some recent selections — with a side of cornbread, a drink and a personal-size cheesecake.
The desserts, inspired by homemade recipes from the owner’s grandma, aren’t meant to be fancy. With fresh fruit and signature batter, they’re baked to fly off the shelves. Tribune food critic Louisa Kung Liu Chu recommends ordering the strawberry Viola or The Avenue, with buttered graham cracker crumbs and caramel.
5248 W. Chicago Ave., 312-620-9469, schweetfoods.com
The Gatsby Speakeasy
Dim lights and chandeliers. Books everywhere. Oil paintings on the walls. It’s a recreation of Gatsby’s West Egg mansion, complete with charcuterie boards and cocktails. The $17 Old Sport, for example, contains brandy, scotch, leather-aged vermouth and aperitif.
There’s a series of steps to make it inside this concealed bar. First head to the Bourgeois Pig Cafe in Lincoln Park — a cozy, literary haunt in its own right selling sandwiches with clever names such as The Tale of Two Turkeys. Then go to the second floor above the cafe, solve a riddle, hand over the password and walk through a hidden bookcase door.
736 W. Fullerton Ave., 773-883-5282, opentable.co.uk/r/the-gatsby-speakeasy-chicago
