You love to go out. We love to go out. You love to eat. We love to eat. You love to drink. Well, you get the idea. So when you're itching for the lastest Chicago nightlife has to offer, check out The Extrovert for up-to-the minute details on the scene.
Cookie-cutter cocktails?
We just updated New on the Scene Bars, and all we can say is: Get ready for the battle of the bar and grills. In one corner you've got, well, Four Corners Tavern Group (Kirkwood, Sidebar, Brownstone, Schoolyard and Gaslight) working on WestEnd soon to open on West Randolph. In the other is Eat Well. Drink Better (The Central, Grand Central, Union Park and Bar Celona), the group behind the soon-to-open English in River North. While each camp continues its respective tried-and-true approach of better-than-average bar food and cocktails for the budget conscious, we have to ask: What sets each new place apart from all of their other spots?
On one hand, you know that you can get a tasty meal and a drink at a good price. On the other hand, are these places truly putting a neighborhood stamp on each new venue or are they homogenizing your happy hour experience? Discuss.
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As far as Schoolyard and Kirkwood, the food's decent, but I'd go elsewhere for a burger or upscale bar food. As far as Grand Central, I've eaten there several times and have yet to experience a meal that didn't arrive at my table seemingly 2 hours late, cold, and mediocre.
Sorry for the negativity. Just being honest.
Despite all that, though, will still give English a fair try.