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Chicago Restaurants 2008

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Parlor

1745 W North Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
Phone: (773) 782-9000
Citysearch
Price:
$$
Cross Street:
Hermitage Avenue
Directions:
Bus: 72 to Wood
Hours:
Mon 5pm-10am, Tue-Fri 5pm-2am , Sat 10am-2pm, 5pm-3am , Sun 10am-2pm, 5pm-2am

Editorial Review for Parlor – by Jen Robbins

The Scene
Champagne and chocolate tones, exposed brick and plush corduroy booths evoke a comfortable yet classy vibe. A crescent-shaped bar with back-lit, amber-tinted panels hugs the front wall, while stools lining the window overlook North Avenue. A jazz trumpeter mural dominates one wall, while a hipster crowd jams beige linen-covered tables and booths. Indie rock classics like the Pixies provide a fitting soundtrack for this stylish boite.

The Food
Modern interpretations of diner favorites, such as smoky pork chops dusted with a cherry brandy sauce, vie with creative New American options, like pan-roasted chicken breast topped with blueberries and spicy pecans. Fried oysters, accompanied by a spicy remoulade, are an appropriate starter for heartier plates like Southern fried chicken brined in sweet tea and meatloaf gussied up with sweet apple-onion marmalade and served over silky mashed spuds. Warm, gooey bread pudding offers a sugar fix thanks to its main ingredient: Krispy Kreme doughnuts.

Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.

Insider Tips

What to Drink

Expect classic cocktails with a twist, like a gin and tonic sweetened by sugar-soaked blueberries, along with a respectable wine list and draft microbrews.

Where to Sit

A cushy booth to the right of the entrance and beyond the bar fits six with plenty of elbow room to spare.

Parking

Avoid the hassle of parking in this busy 'hood and spring for Parlor's valet service ($8), offered Thursdays through Saturdays.

When to Go

Try the brunch on the weekends served Saturday and Sunday 10am-2pm.

User Reviews for Parlor

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

08/06/2007 Posted by docpax

Whomever gave this place a four star rating must be used to eathing at Burger King, because this restaurant was a total disappointment. After reading so many favorable reviews, my wife and I decided to eat there last Saturday--bad decision. We couldn't have been more disappointed. From the decor to the service to the food, there is not a good thing I can say about the place. We each ordered steak thinking that was a safe bet, but it was not prepared properly, served luke warm, and was tasteless. The poor service added to our disappointment. The waiter, who spent a lot of time downstair doing "whatever," couldn't concentrate on service. When in the actual restaurant, he was more interested in the female bartender than the customers. We won't go back. If you haven't been there, do yourself a favor, don't waste your time!!!

Pros: None

Cons: Rude service

1 Star Rating: Not Recommended

07/10/2007 Posted by faribath

I went to this restaurant for the first time last Sunday evening, with my family who were visiting from out of town. What a disaster! I had a hopeful outlook, based upon the cool decor and some good reviews. There were 5 of us, we had a reservation, and yet they seated us on top of the table next to us, instead of the back of the restaurant where it was totally empty. We were the only table ordering food when we sat down (one other table was paying the check and another was only ordering drinks). The waitress was knowledgeable, although minimally enthusiastic about waiting on us. We ordered appetizers, which came out in a reasonable amount of time. Then we waited.... over 45 minutes passed before our food came. They have an open kitchen, so I could see that the 2 chefs were busy, but I have NO IDEA what they were doing! Does it really take that long to make 2 salads, a burger, steak, and chicken?! Three of the plates came up and sat on the counter for at least 5 minutes, then they took them back and set them under the warmer. The waitress finally just served what was ready after another 5 minutes. The meals that weren't done were salads! They are pre-made, just add the meat... what was the hold-up?! My meal had the wrong side dish, and all the meals were marginally warm. The bartender apologized and took $5 off three of the orders. I felt this was hardly compensatory, but by that time we just wanted to go home (after 2 hours). I can't imagine what the service would be like if the place was actually busy. Never again.

Pros: Decor

Cons: Slow service

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Editor's Review

Comfort food classics get an upscale tweak at this chic Wicker Park bar-restaurant hybrid.  See the full editorial review.

Insider Tips

What to Drink

Expect classic cocktails with a twist, like a gin and tonic sweetened by sugar-soaked blueberries, along with a respectable wine list and draft microbrews.

More Insider Tips

Restaurant Information

Parking

  • Metered
  • Street

Hours

  • Mon 5pm-10am
  • Tue-Fri 5pm-2am
  • Sat 10am-2pm, 5pm-3am
  • Sun 10am-2pm, 5pm-2am

Payment Types

  • Discover
  • Cash
  • Diners Club
  • American Express
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

Cuisines

  • American (Traditional)

Meal Price

  • $$

Amenities

  • Outdoor Dining
  • Local Favorites
  • Date Spot
  • Hidden Find
  • Brunch
  • People Watching

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