gini "mockbird" r.'s Profile

Ok i've been a fan of Grunts for about as long as they've been open. A recent visit to Chicago and a trip to the zoo made a stop at Grunts mandatory. Felt instantly at home - the place doesn't look like it's changed - pics of the former waitresses still up on the wall, the ginormeous salad bar, great friendly service.

With three of us we ordered 3 different things - I went for the patty melt which was burger heaven. Cooked to perfection the way burgers should be!

We were there on a weekday for lunch, was surprised and happy to see that they still packed them in and were even taking lunch reservations. Seems the quality has maintained over the years.

A definite recommendations for great comfort food.

Visiting my old stomping grounds I had to take some texans to partake in a real chicago thing so stopped at Al's for Italian Beef.

While not the best in town (imho) certainly tasty! Sitting on the counter, scruffy surroundings, limited menu - all part of the experience.

Hit the spot of my italian beef cravings.

Stayed at the Chicago Monaco for a second time ... since my first visit a few years ago they've redone the place. While it's the quirky, style expected i do kinda miss the "alice in wonderland" look of the previous design. That being said everything else couldn't have been better, well maybe my view, looking out at the brick wall that is the side of Morton's Steak House leaves a bit to be desired. Oh well. Service was great, staff couldn't have been nicer, turn down service had me spoiled and great to see the wine hour really used as a social hour by guests.

The location is about perfect - a block off Michigan south of the river - Marina City the view (if you have a room view : ) ... and plenty to do and see within walking distance or a quick cab ride.

I'll be back!

Meet up with a large table full of friends for a birthday celebration.

Great atmosphere and a nice patio (although it was already to warm in the season to take advantage of)

Definitely not the place to come if you are watching calories or have a fear of pork products! appetizers of boudain balls and fried green tomatoes both heavy on the fried and the pork - but delicious!

I went for the burger -- ground brisket and bacon in the patty - delicious too - known for their mac and cheese - it's easy to pass your weekly calorie quota in one sitting, but again, who's counting.

Service was attentive and quick. Atmosphere friendly.

Went here on the recommendation of our hotel - wanting something nice but not fussy - a few blocks walk it seemed a good fit.

The happy hour crowd was thick at the bar getting oysters and cocktails - luckily a little less dense in the dining room.

Ordering some of the specialty cocktails was the way to go -- my cucumber lemon something with vodka was excellent.

The menu was seasonal with lots of variety and choices. My toss up was between the lamb (colorado's big product) or the shrimp pasta. On my waitress's recommendation i went for the pasta "the lamb is tough", i spring? on a seasonal menu?  The pasta was great though being from the gulf coast i'm spoiled with the size shrimp we get in any given dish.

The exceptional part of the meal was dessert - i went for the butterscotch pudding, with a vanilla homemade marshmallow and homemade cracker jack - the presentation was adorable, even including a prize.

Service was friendly and attentive - nice casual atmosphere.

Probably one of the best meals i've had!

Went here early on a sunday night for dinner with family. The atmosphere was inviting and being early and a sunday was pretty quiet.

Service was very attentive and we immediately went with the recommendations of the waitress and manager. They didn't lead us wrong. The menu is mainly made up of dishes that can be shared so we ordered several which gave us a great sampling of the menu.

The wasabi crusted scallops were absolutely to die for ... weeks later i'm still craving them! The hot rock with selections of kobe, tenderloin, and lamb were exceptional - i don't think knives were even needed.

The food is sophisticated without the attitude. Loved it!!

This was my 3rd stay at a Kimpton Hotel - the first at this Hotel Monaco.

I am a true believer! Came to Denver with a friend for the U2 concert so already we were on cloud 9 - but the experience at the Monaco just was the icing on the top.

Friendly staff, beautiful lobby and great rooms, nice bar and restaurant that locals go to (that says something). The attention to detail was really exceptional from the valets to housekeeping.

The location is pretty central to everything - a block from the sixteenth street mall and a few blocks up from LoDo walking was the easy way to get around.

Would definitely stay here again and did i mention how cute all the men were : )

Finally made it to a happy hour with my work crew to Leon's. I never made it to Leon's before the current reopening so don't have a before and after to compare but .. dive bar ... i wouldn't necessarily call it that.

Was pleasantly surprised to walk around the corner from the entrance room long bar, to find a very comfortable and cozy setting area - chandeliers, mirros, velvets and throw pillows add to the ambiance. I know there is also a small alley/patio area though i didn't take a look.

It may not be "galleria" fancy but that's more than ok by me -- service was great, they were playing vinyl album sides and drinks were good and affordable. I'll be back Leon's i promise.

if your looking for someplace low key, outdoor patio, a thought at healthier foods, this could be your place.

During those wonderful spring nights in houston this is one of those patios that call to you.

The service is friendly, food affordable and tasty ... and did i mention the serving sizes?? i've had brunch and dinner here -- both were good - for dinner i went with a buger, what can i say - everything was really seasoned well and tasty - not a fan of wheat buns so that would be the only thing i'd swap out for the less healthy alternative.

As Nick's lunch company I totally followed his lead on this one ... definitely an unassuming strip mall in Dickinson. And probably never a spot I would check out on my own, my bad without a doubt.

You walk into what looks like a convenient store with a series of tables and cooking area to the right -- everything from breakfast items to even a hamburger was on the menu - but don't go for that go for the local fare. The enchiladas where AMAZING -- filled with some sort of cheese with more on top and this shaved, seasoned meat on top. Incredible - the refried beans and rice were good but the enchiladas were definitely the stars.

Nicks flautas looks incredible and the tamale was so different from what we are used to - tasty but on this go round on my absolute fav. The hibiscus tea was wonderful - i'd cut back on the sugar, but that's just me.

After polishing off lunch walked around the store to check it out - definitely bigger than it looks and can i say clean - the meat counter filled with all sorts of things not as familiar as the wrapped offerings of HEB but delectable looking none the less.

The wait staff and store staff were all very friendly - the produce looked amazing and fresh.

I am almost hesitant to post - don't want this place overrun with little hipsters - one of the off the beaten path wonders of the houston area for sure. hope the don't change a thing