In the midst of Wicker Park/Bucktown, it is surrounded by personality. "The Blue Line" a great people watching spot, made all the easier through wide tinted windows. It was easy not to feel guilty about drinking in the afternoon while playing board games in this laid back and intimate spot.
ATMOSPHERE
The Blue Line fits perfectly in this stylish neighborhood. It is sort of a lounges take on the feel of a neighborhood diner. The tiled floors and booth-style seating give a “cup-a-joe,” 1950’s feel but the cloth napkins and candlelit tables are more indicative of the dining experience here. Rows of booths surround a glassed kitchen where you can watch chefs burn themselves while making your food. The chic, paneled ceiling holds modern chandeliers that continuously dimmed throughout the night. With the train rumbling overhead this place really feels like a railroad dining car. It’s easy to feel warm and comfy here while watching familiar movies on flat screen TVs. This is a place where you can dress up or down and still fit in.
CROWD
As the night went on the booths and bar stools filled with young partygoers and after work drinkers. There were couples enjoying a romantic evening, girlfriends talking about people, and groups of friends pre-funking. Everyone is totally approachable and ready to approach you too. With everyone downing martinis and fabulous drink specials how could they not be?
ENTERTAINMENT
There is little room to shake your tail feather here but the jukebox, filled with 90s hip-hop, 80s pop, and random classics, will have you dancing anyway. That is if your not too busy enjoying their board game selection, people were really into it when we were there. There’s nothing like a good game of Sorry and three...or four, glasses of wine. The cozy booths seat up to seven people so this is a great place to come for some quick, fun pre-partying.
SPIRITS
On the night we visited, we hoped that it was 40 ounce night, we even brought our own brown paper bags, but our server didn’t seem to think they had them anymore, bummer (Editor's Note: 40 oz. beers are a rotating special). Despite missing out on the "Forteez,” their vast martini menu tempted me; the French Kiss being of particular note, I was delighted with their Tuesday special. At three dollars a glass I was definitely in the mood for wine. They also had Old style, PBR, and Miller pints for two bucks! Mojito lovers take note, theirs are rockin’.
GRUB
The sustenance here is certainly not diner fare. The menu is filled with impressive takes on an eclectic mix of American dishes. There are such delights as tuna tar-tar, blue cheese fondue, and mole duck with garlic mashed potatoes. The fondue was delectable and we got complimentary extra broccoli to scrape up every cheesy bite. I also recommend their bison burger. It is big, extra juicy, and goes down great with $2 beer.
PRICES
You can definitely get your fair share of food and spirits here for less than 40 dollars. There are drink and food specials every night of the week. For what you get the entrée prices are fantastic. You can feel like your treating yourself without the pain of dropping too much cash. You can still go out on a budget in this city!
WHY IT’S UNIQUE
This place is a hidden treasure buried under the “L” train. It’s a great place for any night of the week. If you want a relaxing dinner that still feels like an up-scale experience grab your entourage and swing through the doors of the swingin’ Blue Line Club car. Hell, if they hire me maybe I’ll even see you there!
Powered by AkoComment 2.0!
