LuminoMagazine.com - BYOB restaurants a great solution

BYOB restaurants a great solution

Written by JENNIFER A. BOWEN

Thursday, 25 January 2007

Once again, the cupboard is bare and all you want to do is wine and dine. Your budgeted spending money, however, suddenly went from high to low faster than you can say “Happy Meal, anyone?” and now your restaurant pickins' are slim. Fret no more. The solution is conveniently flashing right before your eyes in bright florescent lights that spell out the letters BYOB! You'll be so fappy (fat + happy) when the bill comes, you'll want to celebrate with a night on the town... and you'll even have the funds to do so.

BYOB (Bring Your Own Booze) restaurants, where wine, beer, and alcohol are not included on the menu, encourage patrons to bring in their own spirits to accompany the meal. Most vendors will provide bottle openers, glasses, and even ice buckets to chill your flavor-o-choice while you indulge in sweets and savories from the kitchen. Because high-priced cocktails and bottles of wine can often be the burden of the bill, BYOB restaurants offer the opportunity to enjoy fine dining in Chicago without cleaning out your account. These restaurants can be found all over the city and definitely range in food genres for whatever your mood desires.

CERVASA, POR FAVOR.

Mamacita's Mexican Restaurant

Located in the heart of Lincoln Park, Mamacitas offers "fresh healthy Mexican food" for even the biggest appetite. This BYOB restaurant serves up authentic Mexi-faves like enchiladas, tostadas, or an amazing taco salad complete with layers of lettuce, fresh veggies, chicken or steak, beans, guacamole, sour cream and a hefty serving of Chihuahua cheese. Though you may not take advantage of the BYO option in the a.m. hours, Mamacitas even has an impressive breakfast menu (served everyday until 3 p.m.) including huevos rancheros and a massive breakfast burrito served with sliced and sautéed potatoes. Although the restaurant is small, the festive atmosphere and music make it ideal for a group gathering. If Lincoln Park isn't convenient, try Papacito's Mexican Grille in Lakeview. The owner was previously connected to Mamacita's, however, now offers a very similar restaurant option for patrons living a little more north. Papacito's atmosphere is less intimate, but a central bar table with stools make it the perfect place to sit solo or with a friend and view your meal in the making before chowing down. Just bring your own case of Coronas or your tequila of choice, enjoy the corn chip and salsa instant-appetizers (the best part about any Mexican restaurant) and turn boring Tuesday Taco Night into a Mexican Fiesta out on the town! Mamacita's is located at 2439 N. Clark St and Papacito's is located at 2960 N. Lincoln Avenue. Both locations offer carry-out and catering services.

GOT RICE?

Coast Sushi Bar

Coast Sushi Bar offers a wide range of sushi rolls including fresh and perfected standards like the favorite "Philly" or the "Spicy Tuna." Likewise, connoisseurs can venture out and choose from the long list of specialty maki such as the "Coast Crab" (king crab, scallions, masago in spicy mayo with tempura crumb and red tobiko) or the "White Dragon" (shrimp tempura, wasabi, tobiko, cream cheese, avocado, scallions, spicy sauce, wasabi dressing, eel sauce, and tempura crumb.) Be sure to start with the Exotic Tempura --- a twist on your average Vegetable Tempura that offers taro, lotus root, garlic chive flowers, sweet corn, shiso leaf, and squash fried in Tempura batter and served with dipping sauce. This Bucktown favorite offers a modern atmosphere complete with handcrafted furniture and tableware. A small area just inside the door has enough room for guests waiting on a table while the host staff offers bottle openers and glasses for your bring-in beverages. Coast is located at 2045 N. Damen Avenue.

NOT YOUR AVERAGE GAME OF TABLE TENNIS

Pingpong

This Lakeview restaurant (3322 N. Broadway) offers Pan-Asian cuisine, a friendly wait staff, and eclectic company. The menu includes a solid array of sushi options, but the Asian entrees seem to be a sure (and popular!) bet. The Mongolian Beef and Chicken Pad Tai are two favorites that won't disappoint even the most avid Asian foodie. The Crab Rangoons are stuffed with enough cream cheese and crab mix and fried to a perfect golden brown before being beautifully served with a tangy sweet sauce. Though the wait can be enduring (and the waiting area is very small) the convenience of your pre-packed Pinot is a great way to pass the time. Pingpong is arranged with white tables and simple chairs wall to wall. Though the restaurant is crammed with noise and people, the dimly lit dining room and appropriately adorable candles on each table make it easy to enjoy intimate conversation and a great meal.

Though most BYOB restaurants are very accommodating, it is important to return the etiquette. Recognize "corkage fees" on the menu or ask the waiter or waitress if this exists at their business. Fees can be as low as $2 per bottle, but can rise according to the restaurant's policies. These expenses exist as a way to compensate the restaurant for the money spent on paying your waiter and the cost of furnishing stemware or an ice bucket.

BYOB restaurants are the perfect way to enjoy the pleasures of a fancy feast, the flavor of your favorite cocktail, and the gratification of a reasonable bill. These hot spots in and around your neighborhood definitely bring a whole new light to the common catchphrase "drink responsibly."

Comments

Thanks for the tip
Written by Guest on 2007-02-05 09:14:01

I never knew these BYOB places existed. What an awesome idea!!!

yum!
Written by Guest on 2007-02-05 17:03:50

I need to check out these hot spots!

Good to know
Written by Guest on 2007-02-05 17:06:32