Room 21
2110 S. Wabash Ave.; 312-328-1198
We didn’t think it possible, but Jerry Kleiner (Gioco, Marche, Red Light and Carnivale) has gone over the top. His new 6,000-square-foot South Loop spectacle channels Al Capone and Chicago madams, The Everleigh sisters. The historic building is a former Capone brewery that garnered G-man Eliot Ness his first big bust (workers even excavated escape tunnels during the renovation). Chef Aaron Whitcomb, who worked at Denver hotspot Table 6, is the executive chef, creating a menu of classic American dishes (entrees range from $22 to $26).
Alhambra Palace Restaurant
1240 W. Randolph St.; 312-666-9555
If one mega-sized restaurant isn’t enough, check out this West Loop Middle Eastern-Mediterranean restaurant from the folks behind the now-shuttered Souk. It has room for you and 1,000 of your closest friends. The French-Moroccan menu is from chef Eric Aubriot (formerly of Narra and Aubriot). Two-story space has a stage and a state-of-the-art sound and lighting system for live entertainment — which will include belly dancers.
Dib
1025 W. Lawrence Ave.; 773-561-0200
Five words to describe this Uptown Thai-sushi BYOB: tiny, tiny, cute, cute, cute. OK, there’s more to it than that, but we just adore the fresh face it presents to Uptown from its mini strip-mall locale. From the five-seat sushi bar to the sexy, black-and-white tables and tufted walls, it makes the most of the small quarters. The menu offers a mix of Thai and Japanese classics, with lots of fresh maki.
Veggies To Go
1375 E. 53rd St.; 773-667-8344
Skip the veggie burger at this Hyde Park newbie and instead order up vegan versions of gyros, ribs and Italian beef, or veggie takes on smoked turkey and corned beef. Owners already are making plans for a sister spot — they’re launching Soul Food Express (1706 E. 87th St.), a vegan Soul Food-inspired spot in Auburn Gresham this June.
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Cordis Brothers Supper Club
1625 W. Irving Park Rd.; 773-935-1000
Mike and Dan Cordis, the brothers behind Wise Fools Pub (2270 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-929-1300), have gutted the former Biasetti’s in Lakeview to create a more modern, but still comfy, destination. “The only thing we’re keeping is the ribs,” says Dan. (He says to look for a new lineup of pastas and steaks too.) What makes it a supper club? “Supper club has two definitions,” he says. “One is the ’30s-’40s nightclub thing … where you can picture Cary Grant. The other is the Wisconsin supper club where your meal is all-inclusive — you get a relish tray, soup or salad, vegetable and potato with your entree. That way you don’t get the sticker shock at the end.” Target opening: early to mid-May.
Pinstripes
1150 Willow Rd., Northbrook; 847-480-2323
A bistro-bowling-bocce ball destination has been 20 years coming for founder Dale Schwartz, who’s long wanted to combine the upscale bowling concept with high-quality bocce venues he’d seen on the West Coast. Distinctly Italian fare will be served in the 140-seat bistro and 75-seat patio; you can also have a full-service dinner at your bowling lane or bocce court. And you get free socks with bowling shoe rental.
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