Recent Reviews

325 Reviews

Filter by: Location   Category
953-955 W Fulton St
Chicago, IL 60607

The Aviary  

Category: Lounges
Neighborhoods: Fulton Market, Near West Side, West Loop

5.0 star rating
1/26/2012 1 Check-in Here
I was having dinner in the area and thought it would be great to check out this place afterwards. I was able to score a table of  2 at 10 pm on a Saturday night ahead of time. Then Saturday hits, I requested if it's possible to add 2 more people and had no problem. I was so happy that I got a table because by the time we got there, it was about an hour and half wait with no reservation and it was damn cold outside. Most likely you will get a standing only table if you do wait.

Once we were seated at our table, we got a complimentary small cup of cider, which was delicious. Three of us decided to get the Prixe Fixed menu where you get three cocktails while my other friend got one of their unique drinks. The cocktails were amazing and I loved the presentation especially the Horchata. It made me laugh. Some of us got different drinks in the Prixe Fixed menu, so we were able to try a little bit of everything. After we we done with our "meal", I ended up ordering the Cider for all of us to share. Wow, that was amazing and the flavors intensified the longer you waited. Also the glass container it came in was awesome. It did look like a "koi pond".

Also I did see Chef Grant twice during the evening. I was sorta surprised that he was there since he's usually at Alinea, but I read on his Twitter that he was at Next that night to do testing for the next dinner menu.

If you want unique experience, definitely come here. Yes, it's swanky and can be expensive (more expensive than the Violet Hour), but it's worth it.

Listed in: Fancy Smancy Cocktails

Was this review …?

2954 N Sheffield Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 360-8686

DMK Burger Bar  

Category: Burgers
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3.0 star rating
1/22/2012 1 Check-in Here
I treated my friend out to dinner for her last night in Chicago, so I took her to DMK. The place was jammed pack and happening even for a Monday night., but we didn't wait too long for a table.

We were excited to try out their fries, but we found out that they use beef in their oil and my friend who is a vegetarian did not like that. Instead we ordered the onion strings and deviled eggs, which we both enjoyed. For drinks, we got 2 beers on tap - Gumballhead from 3 Floyds and the White from Allgash. Refreshing. Next we got our burgers. I decided to get the bison burger which came with goat cheese, pickled red onion, and blueberry BBQ sauce. I was somewhat disappointed with my burger. The flavors were all there, but I like my beef patties more firmer and thicker. My friend really liked her vegetarian burger and she appreciated that it was homemade and not some frozen patty.  

A-OK experience. I wouldn't mind coming back again to try another burger and any of those fries.

Was this review …?

2831 N Broadway
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 248-2445

Renaldi's After Dark  

Categories: Pizza, Sports Bars
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3.0 star rating
1/21/2012 1 Check-in Here
When I'm in the mood for Goose Island Green Line and some hockey (lots of HDTVs), I always come here. So far every time I have come, they have never run out of Green Line. The food is okay though. Lots of specials and you can order a slice of pizza from next door.

Decent neighborhood bar.

Was this review …?

1520 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-1500

Violet Hour  

Categories: Lounges, American (New)
Neighborhood: Wicker Park

4.0 star rating
1/18/2012 1 Check-in Here
I have heard about the Violet Hour and walked by here a couple of times during the day before, but didn't know the location. Very easy to miss without the line..

I took my friend here after dinner on a Saturday night around 8. Only had a 10 minute wait. It was a small wait compared to the 30 to hour wait that this place can have on a busy night. We decided to sit at the bar, so we can watch the bartenders do their magic which was fun. I wish that they were more personable though. Both of us got 2 drinks each. I got the Juliet and Romeo and Linden Hills. The drinks were made well and delicious. My friend stuck to the hot drinks and she enjoyed them as well.

Yes, the place is swanky and the drinks are expensive ($12 each), but it's nice to splurge and dress up once in awhile. I'll be back.

Listed in: Fancy Smancy Cocktails

Was this review …?

1901 W Madison St
Chicago, IL 60612
(312) 455-4500

United Center  

Category: Stadiums & Arenas
Neighborhood: Near West Side

5.0 star rating
Update - 1/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went to the Sharks vs. Blackhawks game to root for my hometown team, the San Jose Sharks.

My friend got me tickets for Section 103 Row 8. I'm spoiled now by this great view. I got to see 2 fights up close and some awesome hockey action. Of course, I had a bullseye on me with my teal jersey amongst the sea of red and got heckled, but nothing too crazy. Despite the Sharks losing, we still had fun and made friends with the drunken couple next to us. We ended up going out to the bar afterwards with them. Friends with the enemy!

One of these days I need to go to a Red Wings-Blackhawks game.

Listed in: Fun times In The Windy City

Was this review …?

1 Previous Review: Hide »

  • 4.0 star rating
    10/13/2009

    I came here to watch the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Calgary Flames hockey game. When I was younger, I always heard of this place because of the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan.

    I took the El Pink line and got off the Ashland. It's still quite a walk from this stop and as a girl walking alone, you have to be on your toes. You are better off taking the CTA buses #20 or 19 to get the United Center. You could drive here and park at the nearby parking lots, but expect to pay at most $20 per car.

    I sat in the club level 221 and they were awesome seats. You can see the all the hockey action and not feel you are in the nosebleed seats. The food is typical arena/stadium food. I got the Italian sausage hot dog and a bottle of Stella. The hot dog was decent. You are probably better off eating at a nearby restaurant, but I was pressed for time. Also be sure to take pictures of the numerous banners hanging in the rafters - NBA World Championships, Stanley Cup Championships, and retired jerseys from the Chicago Bulls and Blackhawks. Of course, you need to take pictures of the Michael Jordan statue. Be like Mike!

    I admire Chicago sport fans. They are crazy for their sports!

    Was this review …?

3023 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 296-6901

Chilam Balam  

Category: Mexican
Neighborhood: Lakeview

3.0 star rating
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
I live around the corner from here and always see this place jammed pack. Even more so lately because Chef Chuy was on Top Chef Texas.

I came here on a Friday night with a friend when it opened and got seated right away. The wait can be long since they don't take reservations and the space is quite small. We decided to share 4 plates - goat birria, rabbit tamales, pork loin, and the tuna ceviche. My favorites were the goat birria and the tuna ceviche.Very tasty and fresh. I was disappointed with the pork loin. The pork was very dry despite the mole.  The sweet potatoes that came with it were very good. I thought the rabbit tamales were all right. Nothing earth shattering. The best part of the meal - the flan. OMG. I almost didn't want to share and was tempted to get my own.

I was somewhat disappointed with our meal here. Some hits and misses. I definitely wouldn't mind trying this place out again.

Was this review …?

11150 East Blvd
Cleveland, OH 44106
(216) 267-7155

The Cleveland Museum of Art  

Category: Museums

5.0 star rating
1/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
First off, I was really surprised by how good this art museum was. The best part was that it was all free except for the special exhibits which imo are worth seeing. My cousin and I went to the Fu Baoshi special exhibit, which was fantastic.

We spent most of our time in the Impressionism and Modern Art galleries. They had Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and Matisse. You definitely need more than one visit to see everything. I wanted to go back again to check out their photography gallery, but didn't have time. They are still currently renovating the museum and the atrium that they are building looks amazing.

Cleveland, you impressed me.

Was this review …?

North Avenue Beach,
Chicago, IL

Polar Plunge  

Category: Local Flavor
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park

5.0 star rating
1/3/2012
Yup, jumped into Lake Michigan to start off the New Year. My body was stinging and my fingers and toes were numb for about 30 or so minutes afterwards. It made putting my clothes back on more interesting. The 45 mph wind after you get out of water is what killed me. The man who was dressed as the New Year's baby - He is crazy! LOL

Will I do it again? Yes!

Was this review …?

900 Literary Rd
Cleveland, OH 44113
(216) 771-5652

Lolita  

Category: American (New)

5.0 star rating
12/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
On my last night in Cleveland, I wanted to try out one of the Michael Symon restaurants, so my cousin made reservations here.

Everything in our meal was delicious. The first thing we did was order a bottle of red wine. We chose a bottle from Spain which was fantastic. For appetizers, we got the roasted bone marrow and charred eggplant dip. I loved the bone marrow. So unhealthy, but I didn't care. I really liked the eggplant dip especially the homemade flatbread. For my main course, I got the duck confit with a butternut squash puree and mustardo vinaigrette. The duck was so tender and I literally wanted to scrap every last bite off my plate. My entree came with creamy polenta also. Delicious! My cousins got the buccatini and mushroom pizza. They both said their meals were good also. Then for dessert, we all shared the warm chocolate cake and gelato. The cake was to die for and the hazelnut ice cream on top of it really added to the flavor. I forgot what the flavor was for the gelato, but it was refreshing.

For the amount we paid, I thought the meal was very good value ($40 bucks/per person). I highly recommend! I want to try Lola's next!

Was this review …?

One Center Ct
Cleveland, OH 44115
(800) 820-2287

Quicken Loans Arena  

Category: Stadiums & Arenas

3.0 star rating
12/27/2011 1 Check-in Here
I came with my cousins for the season opener for the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Toronto Raptors. I haven't been to an NBA game for the longest time. Last time I really followed the NBA was when Jordan played with the Chicago Bulls.

Getting tickets wasn't too hard especially since Lebron is gone. We sat in section 212 and they were decent seats. Lines for food went quickly. What I like about the arena is that it's easy to get to by public transportation through the City Center RTA station.

Good experience and I had a fun time with my family, but not going to run to another NBA game anytime soon.

Was this review …?


More »

257 Friends

 
  •  
  • 1771 friends
  • 2260 reviews
 
  •  
  • 403 friends
  • 600 reviews
 
  •  
  • 1172 friends
  • 118 reviews
 
  •  
  • 5000 friends
  • 2626 reviews
More »

1198 Compliments

  • You're Funny

    Put a Bird on It!!

  • Thank You

    Yeah I just saw Porky flying outside my windowless office.

  • Hot Stuff

    Hey, did you see the Gilt City deal for the new spinning place Real Ryder?… More »

More »

21 Lists

Fancy Smancy Cocktails

Where you can get excellent cocktails
1.  The Aviary
I was having dinner in…
2.  Violet Hour
I have heard about the…
3.  singlebarrel
Came here after having…
See Full List »

Fun times In The Windy…

Places I have been to in Chicagoland.
1.  Bank of America Chicago…
***2009***  This is by…
2.  Goose Island Clybourn
I came to Goose for beer…
3.  Walker Brothers Original…
My cousin and I found…
See Full List »

View All Lists »

3 Events

"My name is Bijou. Call me."

Review votes:
1116 Useful, 641 Funny, and 931 Cool

Location

Chicago, IL

Yelping Since

February 2009

Things I Love

San Jose Sharks, salsa dancing, running, sushi, eating, Chicago, dessert, chocolate chip walnut cookies, photography, traveling, Parks and Recreation, 30 Rock, Dexter, Conan O'Brien, Goose Island Green Line

Find Me In

running shorts, Chicago, or on vacation

My Hometown

San Jose, CA

When I'm Not Yelping...

working, running, eating, salsa dancing, photography

Why You Should Read My Reviews

Because you should

My Second Favorite Website

http://www.flickr.com

The Last Great Book I Read

Last Lecture by Randy Pausch

My First Concert

New Kids On The Block - Summer Magic Tour

My Favorite Movie

How Stella Got Her Groove Back...I plan to find a younger guy in my 40s

My Last Meal On Earth

lobster rolls, red velvet cupcakes, plulots

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I don't share pizookies from BJ's Brewery. Consider yourself special if I do.

Most Recent Discovery

Portlandia

Current Crush

Joseph Gordon Levitt, Colin Hanks