The Grand Central

03/04/09

Don't EVER Go to This Bar

by TheBAR78 at Citysearch

We threw a fundraiser party here for Rebuilding Together, a non-profit group which provides free home repairs to poor neighborhoods. It was never explained to us that we needed to reach 20 people minimum to have our portion of the cover come back to our group (we had 18 show up). One of the managers, Mike Emmick, asked if we ever got anything in writing (which we didn't) and then pocketed the money that was supposed to go back to Rebuilding Together. It was a small amount of money that would have gone directly to help a poor woman in the Austin neighborhood of Chicago. I have no idea how Mike sleeps at night or how I could ever tell anyone to EVER go to this bar. What a complete bunch of pompous low-lifes.

Laid-back Lincoln Park professionals grab a bite and catch the game at this roomy neighborhood hangout.

by Contributor at Citysearch

The Scene
With its name in lights above the entrance, this relaxed restaurant and bar beckons a well-groomed crowd of locals, who gather around wooden tables and fill in at elevated booths to unwind after work and socialize on weekend nights. Wall-mounted plasma TVs keep sports fans happy with everything from basketball to figure skating. A curtain of metal chains loosely divides the space; bars along both sides allow for speedy service.

The Draw
"Eat Well. Drink Better" is the motto here, and the Grand Central delivers with reasonably priced zucchini-corn quesadillas, Cold Stone Creamery ice cream, and an extensive list of libations ranging from red and white sangria with fresh fruit to specialty martinis and 12 draft beers. A DJ spins rock, hip-hop and techno at conversation-friendly levels, adding a boost of energy to the already buzzing atmosphere.

11/22/04

The Grand Central

by megan60613 at Citysearch

I know this place is supposed to be the new place to be in Lincoln Park, but I would rather stay home. I had a private party there, and it was the worst experience hosting a private party I have ever had. I have hosted several parties in bars all around the city, and I have never encountered such a rude and unaccommodating "upper management" at any location, EVER. I know that its a new location, and they still need to work out the kinks but this was unacceptable. The bar was overcrowded, overpriced and the people were just plain rude!

• Pros: Good Music, Decent Food
• Cons: , Overpriced, Rude Staff