Ontario Street Briefs

Ontario Street, which makes its home two blocks north of the Grand Red-line el stop, is another road filled with clubs, bars, and restaurants. However, this time, the street caters less to sophistication and more to a tourist taste for novelty.  In addition to the many clubs, Ontario St. has its gems.

I'm going to call the area on the corner of Ontario and Lasalle Street the "tourist triangle." Large neon signs act as beacons of familiarity for families visiting the fright, tumult, and turbulence that is night-time Chicago. The corner plays host to the  Rainforest Cafe, the Hard Rock Cafe, and a retro-style, two story McDonalds. Although they are chain restaurants, the gaud and elaborateness of their decor suggests a higher degree of city poise than their less accommodating counterparts.  After all, when was the last time you saw a limousine parked in front of a McDonalds?  Price Range: $. Large seating areas appropriate for all ages.

The Chicago Chop House, located at 60 W. Ontario, seems out of place, as it is located in a beautiful, vintage brownstone just down the street from the "tourist triangle." Its classy nature, white tablecloths, and excellent service are a welcome change from the rest of the street.  This restaurant, unlike the chain restaurants down the road, is purely Chicago -  They boast that they are "Where the city that works eats." As a steakhouse, the menu is a bevy of rich and robust meats, wines, and desserts.  However, seafood lovers are also in for a treat at the Chicago Chop House.  1400 historical photos tell the story of Chicago and the Chop House as the dream and legacy of founder Henry Norton.  The restaurant has received many rewards, recommendations, and news mention, including that from the Chicago Tribune.  Price Range: $$$.  Reservations suggested.

An experience in itself, Eggsperience brings a hip, affordable 24-hour breakfast enterprise to the center of the clubbing district in the River North neighborhood.  The place is packed from 2-4 a.m.  It's a clean, comfortable, and fun escape from the scary world that Chicago becomes when the nightlife wanes to its end.  The first time I ate here, I felt as though it had saved my life from not only the criminals running the streets, but from the pain caused by my sky-high, club appropriate heels.  The menu consists of old favorites and new twists and contains enough options to satisfy any taste at any time. Urbanspoon is explosive with positive reviews of the joint from people who eat there late at night, in the morning, or even a lazy weekend afternoon.  Eggsperience is located at 35 W. Ontario.  Price Range: $$.

It seems like everyone has heard of the Redhead Piano Bar.  If this bar were a person, he would be the mutual friend of Howl at the Moon and Hub 51.  The bar is suave and sophisticated, but quite masculine, serving scotch, cognac and premium liquor, including tequila, whiskey, and bourbon, as well as cigars.  Located at 16 W. Ontario, the bar is the definition of a hole-in-the-wall.  You'd walk right past it if it were not for the giant, blinking neon sign.  Price Range: $$$.