Kirsten A.'s Profile

This little thrift/vintage shop is amazing!  Completely well edited and incredibly reasonably priced.  A cute gold clutch for $8?  An open work blue sweater for $15, and a vintage lipstick compact for $7?  Yes, please!  The co-owner I met on both my trips there was super sweet too.  I even signed up for their mailing list - which I rarely do - that's how awesome this place is!

Finally tried Cheesies after their reopening and it was good!  If you want a yummy grilled cheese stuffed with fatty mac n' cheese goodness, this is your place.  My grilled cheese was made perfectly!

It does get crowded, I first tried to go on a Saturday night, but it was packed.  Definitely go during the week so you have room to dine.  There's a bar too and they have a buy 9 get the 10th free card!

Finally got myself to Magnolia.  It was a sweet daytime visit.  The poppy, retro vibe mixed with vintage cake plates and pretty pastels makes it a great place for sitting and eating your delicious cupcake.  We stopped by mid morning during the week and they were really low on cupcakes.  But the lovely ladies frosted some while we waited so we could have our choice.  The Pistachio was very yummy, not overly sweet, but hit the spot.  The frosting was super light, whipped, and just had a hint of cream.  Plus the plate came sprinkled with a little garnish.  I also love that they sell milk, although selling it in cartons would totally fit their vibe better than the disposable plastic cups.

They do lose a star for the crazy confusing layout...where's the line?  Where do you pay?  Can I get a cupcake by the cookie counter?  But it's a definite cupcake repeat!

I am also on the list of people who never thought they'd pay $15 for a car wash, but it's worth it.  The guys here do a fantastic job!  At least 8 different people work on your car assembly line style hand washing and buffing inside and out.  My car also looks and feels stunning when I leave!

The weekends are insane, so go during the week and expect to stay at least 20 minutes.  There's a little shop area to wait and watch while your car gets pampered.  They also have the biggest selection of car air fresheners I've ever seen!

Wednesday is Ladies Day!  $3 off!

Met a friend here for dishing and discussing and it was a great environment!  We sat for two hours and enjoyed our yummy, warm cheddar cheese scones and tea, which was served on a gorgeously chic silver tray in tiny white pots with real tea cups!  Love.  And that's not to mention the tons of feet of pastry cases full of colorful, scrumptious looking treats.  I just couldn't decide what looked best...the cake pops, chocolate truffles, sugar cookies, cupcakes, cakes, and mini tarts...

This place is definitely a must stop if you're on Belmont!

This is the type of restaurant you envision when you think of Chicago restaurants: Old school Italian.  Great food, good drinks, friendly, attentive, knowledgeable staff, and an amazing owner!  The menu is big and diverse and everything we ate was fantastic (save the calamari, which was just okay).  The owner came over to our table several times and even serenaded us.  Actually sang us a song!  When he coaxed me into sing a duet from Phantom of the Opera later in the evening, he sent over limoncello as a thank you.

I love this place!  Can't wait to go back!  I would give this place six stars if I could!  It's a hidden gem just down the stairs from Michigan Avenue.  Get the booth in the corner, it's spacious and hosts a great view of the whole Restaurant.

Stopped in this little BBQ joint today for the Catfish Fry Fridays.  Delicious cat fish is lightly breaded with zesty and yummy seasonings and not at all heavy.  Delicious.  Comes with two sides for $6.99!  While I would leave the mac n' cheese off my order next time (a little thin and seasoned, not thick and creamy like I prefer), I would definitely go back for the catfish.

The inside is tiny and although not crowded, none of the tables were clean when we got there and our food didn't come out together, but the friendly owner more than makes up for it.  They have a patio, buffet, and booze...I bet this place is great in the summer!

Yummy food, personable owner (George - super nice guy!), cool Blackhawk's decor, great service, and they have bottles of champagne in the front case.  A perfect diner!

Cash only.  Free parking on Madiosn.  Yummy fries.

This place is having an identity crisis.  Is it hip?  Is it a night club?  Is it a gourmet restaurant?  I don't know.  What I do know is it's pretentious and loud.  (What? I Can't hear you...I said it's LOUD).

The first act of pretension started immediately upon arrival.  We came for our 6:30 reservation and were told we should go see the hostess downstairs and we could have drinks while we waited for them to find us a table.  (WTF - isn't that why you make a reservation?  So you don't have to wait?)  Downstairs was LOUD and we were sat at a kid's size table (seriously, my husband's knees were over the top of the table).  We asked why we were down there and the waitress went to the hostess, came back and said our table was ready.  (What?)

The upstairs table  was the reverse of the downstairs one.  I asked for a pillow and the waiter said "I don't know if I can find one, but I'll see what I can do." (He found one, thank god, because the table literally came up to my sternum.)  Also, it was so LOUD.  

Two positive things: the orchid martini and the pumpkin cheesecake were delicious, but not enough to overshadow the other negatives though:

Snarky door staff (Hm...you have to do downstairs)
No one offered to check our coats upon arrival. (what?)
Stupid downstairs (see above)
Annoyed waiter when we asked for the restaurant week menu (you shouldn't have to ask)
Pushy waiter with cocktail recommendations (was he on commission?)
Loud Loud LOUD (did I mention it was loud?)

I just don't get the appeal.  I wouldn't go back.

This Goodwill is great!  Clean, bright, well edited and organized.  Everything is sorted by type, color, and size.  They had a great selection of brand names, Banana Republic, Zara, Express, etc, and it seemed like they might get over stock from Target.  They had brand new designer hats, kid's tops and skirts, and little boots all from target with the tags still on!  Great selection of women's sweaters, blazers, and such !  The staff was out and about sorting and organizing and generally being friendly too.  Plus there are not sketchy bathrooms and dressing rooms.

Make sure you get their discount card.  You save 5% on purchases of $20 or more, discounts for students, seniors, on 25% off on your birthday...plus they come with cool key ring versions of the card, just like at the grocery store, and I've made it my mission to collect as many of those as possible.