If you're looking for a chill place to get delicious craft cocktails, with an intimate setting, but…read morestill have enough space to have a conversation without worrying others around you, this is the place to be. They only have one TV in the corner, and it's showing the albums of the smooth jazz music. They're playing over the speakers. This is a place to congregate with friends, family, or perhaps to meet strangers. Don't expect to have the local ball game on. But I think that's the whole idea, encouraging human interaction. Both the bartender and the server were incredibly kind and friendly, and I already feel like I've made new friends.

Moonflower, located on Milwaukee Avenue just south of Montrose, is a cool bar that always seems to…read moredraw a good-sized crowd. My lovely wife and I have been here a handful of times, but recently we enjoyed the Happy Hour deals. Yes they have Happy Hour specials until 6PM every day. $6 gets you drinks such as an Old Fashioned, Lemon Drop or Margarita. You can also fill up on a New Moon Burger with fries (one griddled meat patty) or a pair of Moondogs with fries for $12. Everything was tasty - the burger, the corn dogs, and the crisp seasoned fries. Come to Moonflower and enjoy the drinks, food and the soundtrack too.

Finally got to visit on a day they were actually open! Me and a couple friends had some delicious…read morecocktails, and the bartender was super helpful and friendly. Definitely you do over.

We went out with Park Ridge friends last weekend and they took us to this charming bar. I read a…read morefew reviews that said that Pines Room has a small town vibe. I disagree--I am a Chicago boy and it has a big city hidden gem quality about it. In fact, they promote themselves as a speakeasy. Of course you can get any cocktail you want, but my husband and I both opted for a special strawberry cocktail made with Hendrick's gin. It was refreshing, not too sweet, and garnished with a dehydrated lemon slice. Perfect! Our friends both ordered old fashioned cocktails that looked equally as good. It was a Saturday night and this tiny bar was jam-packed. We had to stand, but it was okay because we had only stopped in for one drink before heading to another restaurant for dinner. The bartenders were friendly and efficient. Prices are not inexpensive, but average to what you'd find in a downtown Chicago restaurant. If you''re looking for a cool place to hang in Park Ridge with a craft cocktail and have a small bite (they have a limited food menu, too), Pines Room is the place.

SUCH a cool little "hidden" spot!…read more Nightshade is a small little cocktail bar under Moonflower, and it's INCREDIBLE. The drinks were so fun- I had one rimmed with crushed tortilla chip. Absolutely worth the stop!

A bar within a bar inception…read more Nightshade is the basement bar of Moonflower. We came to the opening weekend to check out the vibe. There was a healthy amount of folks coming through, but not too crowded. It's dark, closed off with a smaller bar and also additional washrooms below. Vibe is sparse - at the moment, it's simple with the centerpiece of the red glowing bar, side bench seating, a few lamps off to the side, painted in a dark green/black floor to ceiling color. I think the reason to have this secondary space is the potential to do more fun, experimental drinks. Though space is cozier, it's nice to see seating was designed to accommodate groups too. I think it would have been easy to talk to other table groups if the music was just a tad softer. Son of a Gun - it's a tortilla chip in drink form. It's savory with a hint of cilantro. Sneaking Suspicion - nice apparent flavor of chamomile balanced out with a slight, creamy sweet flavor of yogurt. If you're into exploring unusual flavors and forms, Nightshade is a place to check out, and of course Moonflower offers another menu so you can do 2 in 1. Kitchen closes at 10pm.

Amazing cocktails and low key atmosphere. What could better? The tardigrade coasters maybe…read more... Can't wait to visit again!

We came here on a Friday night with friends. There were 4 of us total and the place was totally…read morepacked when we came after dinner. We managed to squeeze on a couch + part of another couch with other patrons. There were only 2-3 people working but it took us 20-30 minutes or more to get our drink orders put in. It's busy so I guess that's okay...our server apologized and thought we had been helped already. Our drinks came and we thought they were okay? Based on the other reviews here we were a little underwhelmed. Based off of how long it took us to get our first drink + the quality of the cocktails we only stayed for one and bounced.

As soon as I walked into this place many months ago I knew it was going to be great. You walk in…read moreand you can smell the bbq aroma . Some of my favorites were the dry rubbed ribs and smoked wings , brisket sandwich and now the smash burgers. Full bar , nice beer selection .

Some of the food is very good,BBQ sandwiches especially…read more Service can be appalling at times , slow, disinterested and bordering on rude which really affects the experience.

The best way I can some up this place: "Aloha, mf'ers!"…read more Drinks are strong strong and always garnished with something fun. Heed the warnings on the menu and ask for help if you get stuck. Decor is classic tiki and the wait staff is top notch.

I stopped by Hala Kahiki Lounge on Saturday night with a coworker and her husband, and this place…read moretotally lived up to its reputation. It's a small dive bar, but in the coolest way -- dim, tropical, quirky, and full of character. The atmosphere alone makes you want to stay awhile. I ordered the Painkiller and the Zombie, and both were very strong and very delicious. Exactly the kind of tiki cocktails you hope for when you walk into a place like this. They don't have a big food menu -- mostly chips and salsa, maki rolls, and edamame -- but we tried the Hawaiian‑style chips and salsa with taro chips and pineapple salsa, and it was such a good combo. Light, unique, and perfect to snack on with drinks. Overall, it's a great spot for strong cocktails and a laid‑back night out. I'll definitely be back.

A clean, well lighted space, they have live music play on weekend nights (and perhaps weekday?)…read more We stopped in one Friday night to listen to jazz and drink cocktails. The cocktails are good, especially the Oat Fashioned and the Toranto.

Take Flight Spirits is such a fun and unique spot with truly delicious drink options. I personally…read morelove the Dirty Hippie (a dirty chai with rum) or the Hibiscus Daiquiri. Both drinks are fantastic, depending on your mood. They offer some snacks for purchase, but one of the best parts is that you're welcome to bring your own food, making it a great place to hang out without feeling limited. It's the perfect place to meet up with friends, catch a live performance, enjoy trivia night, or check out one of their many other events. Their website has an updated list of what's coming up, which makes planning easy. Adding to the ambience, you'll find a few tables that are actually chalk board tables so you can draw or play games on the chalkboard tables if you want. It's so fun! The staff has always been kind, welcoming, and great at crafting drinks. Take Flight Spirits is definitely one of my favorite local spots!

I received a warm welcome when I entered the door. The front area of the restaurant was full so we…read morewere led to the back, enclosed patio. There was a funky smell at first (the wood, the alley?) but we eventually just got used to it. I would suggest something to battle the smell. The waitress mentioned the specials for the night and when she said Short Rib, I was sold. It was delicious. Only sad thing is that the average person will probably never take leftovers home. The portion, as pricey as it is, is just right for one person. The margarita I had was good and the Tres Leches dessert was a perfect ending.

One of my favorite spots to eat in Skokie! Staff is so friendly, and the food is absolutely…read morephenomenal! I'm a huge fan of the camerones and the flautas, so delicious!

I knew Gale Street Inn would see a grand and glorious renaissance one day. All it would take would…read morebe the brilliant inspiration of an owner who possessed a love for its rich history and a passion for giving this iconic restaurant the treatment and respect it so very much deserved. It is now time to celebrate, for owner/director Paulo Villabona has created an astonishing, newly-renovated dining experience at Gale Street Inn that pays homage to the exquisite supper clubs of the 40's, 50's and 60's where the likes of Frank Sinatra, Julie London and Sergio Mendez would transfix audiences through their rapturous melodies and golden voices while partaking in superb cuisine. Founded in 1963 in Jefferson Park, Gale Street Inn had seen quite a few owners over the years and had, sadly, closed for a time when it had lost its way and the spirit was gone. Thankfully, Mr. Villabona had a vision to restore the restaurant to its former illustrious self and remodeled it with the desire to have its customers transported to a more wonderful time when life was simpler and love of family, neighbors and friends felt deeper, stronger and truly heartfelt. Beautiful, elegant dark woods, gold fixtures and vintage murals bedeck the interior and set the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. An actual small stage has been placed in back of the restaurant for live music that creates the perfect tone. Martini, anyone? When live entertainment isn't playing, expertly balanced sound system background music exemplifies this supper club theme to amazing effect. One can almost feel the Rat Pack presence. There is a beautifully designed bar area that is warm and inviting, and the bartenders are extremely courteous, friendly and consummate ambassadors for the restaurant --- as is the entire waitstaff. It's rare to find this perfect a waitstaff unless, perhaps, one has experienced the Four Seasons or Ritz-Carlton Hotels. The crown jewel, however, is the cuisine itself. Chef de Cuisine Greg Manuel has worked his magic and created a menu to rival some of the finest traditional dining establishments out there while energizing classic fare with sumptuous, original and thoroughly enjoyable flavor components. The last time I was at Gale Street Inn was with a good friend of mine, and we shared their warm and wondrous Parker rolls as a starter which were ideal and received gratefully on the freezing evening we arrived. My guest dined on the blackened pork chop which was a marvel to behold. She always comments when restaurants serve chops that arrive dry and flavorless, but this beauty tonight was magnificent. Well-proportioned, tender, juicy and cooked to perfection, it was complimented with expertly prepared apple chutney, charred fennel and sweet potato puree. This one received highest honors from her. I was completely blown away by the mouth-watering, vodka-battered fish (cod) and chips that had such a distinctive resonance of flavor that I simply could not get enough of it. It came with coleslaw and homemade tartar sauce which were, by far, the best I ever ate. Another home run! Since my friend and I both have a brutal sweet tooth which we should be ashamed of but aren't, we finished everything up with their delicious key lime pie and creme brûlée --- both of which were five-star Oscar winners in their own right. Other champions on the menu include their ribs which are known to be the finest in Chicago, standout appetizers, hearty jambalaya, excellent prime steaks, terrific salads and the legendary Gale Street Burger. It is virtually impossible to not fall in love with everything on this menu. I know, it's a bold statement, but Gale Street Inn exceeds expectations on all levels. My deepest thanks to Mr. Villabona, Mr. Manuel and the entire staff for breathing new life into this diamond of a restaurant. The love is definitely there, and it shows!

Host staff behaved bizarrely. We were seated at a table with a ledge, where all the wait staff were…read moretalking and clanging dishes. We order salads, less than a minute after we ordered our entrees, but everything was served together, on a 2-top that wasn't big enough. A manager came by the table and asked how everything was. I expressed my displeasure at the table being exposed to the wait staff and he replied; "You should just be happy you got a table." The worst? The food. Thoroughly disappointing because it was served cold. I'm shocked by the reviews, since this was the single worst dining experience I've ever had.

We've heard very good things about Patina and we're excited to try it tonight. As soon as we…read morewalked in the staff was very kind and attentive. We love the ambiance of the restaurant. It's very peaceful, romantic and a calm atmosphere. All of the food was delicious. The plating is so attractive! The dishes have great flavor but are healthier options. The portion sizes were perfect for what we desired. I'm not exaggerating when I say this was the best branzino I've ever had. The skin was crunchy and delicious. But the fish was not dry at all! There's nothing better than a juicy branzino fish and chef Jose nailed it! Matching with the sauce and beans was so much better than any other veggies or starch. The octopus was also cooked to perfection. The flavor and temperature was just right. Not too hot and such a great texture. We don't always order desserts but we had to see every course of the menu. We decided to go with a lava cake and it did not disappoint. It had that perfect contrast of hot and cold but it's served with gelato which gives it a nice touch of texture compared to standard ice cream. Chef Jose came out and introduced himself. We came in because we were enticed by a beef tartare that was on their menu in the past. We're hoping he brings it back on a special sometime soon. He said to give him a call and he'll try to accommodate whenever possible to make his customers happy. What an amazing restaurant. We cannot wait to come back and see what's new. Thank you for an amazing dinner and night!

Revisited after the full kitchen moved here from their other location. A superb experience! Our…read moreserver was incredibly attentive and friendly. The vibe here definitely meets a park ridge niche that nothing else does - intimate but elevated, a great date night place. Excellent cocktails and decent portions. Tuna tower was a fun app and we ordered lamb chops and a pasta for our mains. My only wish is that they had a slightly larger menu. I hope they add to it or do seasonal offerings because the selection is not too large and we pretty much maxed out what we'd be interested in trying in one visit. But they did it well and we enjoyed the Valentine's Day touched around the restaurant!