McFadden's

We all have a local haunt - a place we love morning, noon, and night.   Sometimes, there's a restaurant or bar that simply speaks to us - whether it be through the ambience, the staff, the menu, or anything else.  In my case, I love my haunt for all of those reasons. Buried in the heart of the Gold Coast at State and Division, McFadden's Chicago Restaurant and Saloon makes its name.  It's just a block from the Leg Room, Shenanigans, and a local favorite late-night eatery, Five Faces.
During the day, McFadden's Chicago is a quiet, classy, residential bar and restaurant.  Its regulars adore it, as they show by constantly holding a seat.  Business people, girlfriends, and older women on their weekly shopping spree all love this place for its wings, wifi, and simple charm.

At night, especially Wednesdays and weekends, the place transforms.  It turns into a wild and crazy, anything-goes, drinks-flying saloon of sorts.  The well dressed male bartenders are replaced by feisty females, all in black.  The in house d.j.s take turns spinning.  The music is way too loud.  There's a whole new crowd of regulars at this hour.
I could get up in the morning, walk the few blocks down to McFadden's, take my seat, and watch the day go by.  I somehow feel as though i fit in with each distinct group of regulars.
Each member of the staff is also quite unique and each, in their own way is important to me.  Nate is a total sweetheart.  My dad uses the phrase, "they're good peoples," to describe a certain breed of people that, without cause or consequence, are just genuine, real, kind individuals.  Nate is good peoples.  Mike might be the craziest one.  Last time I walked in as Mike was starting his shift, he was tossing cups and napkins at the other bartenders.
Then there's Ted, a friend of mine of three years.  He's a good bartender who splits his time between Hamilton's and McFadden's.  He bartends during the day and joins the party at night.  He's the bartender with the regulars who come in to pour their hearts out.  He knows everything from their jobs to their woes, and exactly what kind of drink they came for.
McFadden's is such a gem because of it's ability to host diverse audiences.  While it does cater to a college crowd with enticing deals ($1 drafts every Wednesday), it also has a more professional side.  The McFadden's Chicago comprehensive Web site makes it easy to organize corporate events, private events, birthday parties, and bachelorette parties.
Surprisingly, McFadden's Chicago is the sixth link in a chain across the United States.  The first McFadden's was opened in 1977 in New York City.  The decor is supposed to represent turn of the century New York City with exquisite woodwork integrated into its mile-long bar.  It's one of the few places in Chicago's Gold Coast that boasts a late-night menu and a 4a.m. liquor license.