Wine Berserkers - international wine social media, online community, and discussion

by **Mike Lindauer** » February 17th, 2021, 1:57 pm

Yes we carried out from Vermillion, Cafe Marbella, and The Metropolitan. No corkage fee at home!

by **Corey N.** » February 16th, 2021, 2:03 pm

Mike Lindauer wrote: ↑February 16th, 2021, 9:05 am Just a reminder to continue to support your favorite restaurants this winter so they will still be there when the weather breaks.
It will still be a while before Leslie and I will dine indoors, as we don't qualify for vaccination yet. But we feel comfortable dining outdoors with table separation.
Finally bought a condo downtown, so we will be in Chicago for longer periods of time. Hoping for another off-line later this year as we really enjoyed the one we attended at Sun-Wah.

Congrats on your new home. I would love to go to a restaurant for any number of reasons, but outdoor dining is probably a long ways off.

by **Mike Lindauer** » February 16th, 2021, 9:05 am

Just a reminder to continue to support your favorite restaurants this winter so they will still be there when the weather breaks.
It will still be a while before Leslie and I will dine indoors, as we don't qualify for vaccination yet. But we feel comfortable dining outdoors with table separation.
Finally bought a condo downtown, so we will be in Chicago for longer periods of time. Hoping for another off-line later this year as we really enjoyed the one we attended at Sun-Wah.

by **Matt Fleming** » October 13th, 2020, 7:03 pm

Keith A k e r s wrote: ↑September 8th, 2020, 11:59 am
thanks for reminding me about Chez Simo. I'll need to do takeout from them soon to hopefully do my part in keeping them around.

the gigot d'agneau is one of the best basic dishes in Chicago.

by **Keith A k e r s** » September 8th, 2020, 11:59 am

Jack E wrote: ↑August 23rd, 2020, 3:45 pm Went to Gibson's Italia last night (Saturday) and was informed no outside bottles "due to COVID situation". No big deal, their wine list is ok, but are several reasonably priced bottles. I did ask to speak to the "som" and was informed he was not working, whatever that means. I previously went to RPM Italian and the soms are working and they were happy to open my bottles.

just saw this and what Jordan said is spot on. As I know several people that are part of the somm team at Lettuce, your take isn't entirely correct as to whom is or isn't working. I'd also say that Gibson's Italia was never a spot where bringing in your own was to be encouraged whereas lettuce can and does allow it.

John,

thanks for reminding me about Chez Simo. I'll need to do takeout from them soon to hopefully do my part in keeping them around.

by **John Danza** » September 7th, 2020, 9:48 pm

Mike Lindauer wrote: ↑September 7th, 2020, 7:39 pm Yes we all need to support our favorite restaurants, or they won't exist by the time we can enjoy them fully. I've been in Chicago just one weekend since February (usually there at least once/month). Had Cafe Marbella take-away and it was fantastic!

That's great. I love Cafe Marbella.

However, many places couldn't or wouldn't do the take out dinners for one reason or another. It wasn't financially feasible for them. Now that they can have people in the restaurants, getting butts in seats is important for all the restaurants.

by **Mike Lindauer** » September 7th, 2020, 7:39 pm

Yes we all need to support our favorite restaurants, or they won't exist by the time we can enjoy them fully. I've been in Chicago just one weekend since February (usually there at least once/month). Had Cafe Marbella take-away and it was fantastic!

by **John Danza** » September 7th, 2020, 4:39 pm

I went to Chez Simo Bistro on Saturday. I hadn't been there since "the Rona" started. The food was good, as always. But like other small restaurants, they're hanging on by a thread. I recommend everyone get out to all these little places as much as possible. While they're still around.

by **jordan whitehead** » September 7th, 2020, 12:57 pm

Jack E wrote: ↑August 23rd, 2020, 3:45 pm Went to Gibson's Italia last night (Saturday) and was informed no outside bottles "due to COVID situation". No big deal, their wine list is ok, but are several reasonably priced bottles. I did ask to speak to the "som" and was informed he was not working, whatever that means. I previously went to RPM Italian and the soms are working and they were happy to open my bottles.

many Chicago soms, some that I know personally, have been and still are furloughed.

considering those 2 restaurants are not under the same company umbrella, not sure what 1 experience has to do with the other

by **Jack E** » August 23rd, 2020, 3:45 pm

Went to Gibson's Italia last night (Saturday) and was informed no outside bottles "due to COVID situation". No big deal, their wine list is ok, but are several reasonably priced bottles. I did ask to speak to the "som" and was informed he was not working, whatever that means. I previously went to RPM Italian and the soms are working and they were happy to open my bottles.

by **Michael Klein** » June 23rd, 2020, 9:56 am

Worth mentioning again - esp as bump - Daisies offers $15 corkage. Was our first proper post covid lockdown meal and we had a blast.

by **Ben J.** » January 28th, 2020, 6:35 am

Owen and Engine, the British-style gastropub next to Fat Willie's at Western & Schubert, now allows BYO with $25 corkage. Not sure of glassware situation as I just called to confirm this. Their less-traditional (in terms of pub fare) dishes have always been worth trying.

by **Doug Sher** » December 13th, 2019, 6:33 am

I've had a number of fine meals at a newly reopened place called In-On Thai. They used to be in the 3800 block of North Broadway and their building was razed about three years ago. The food is excellent. The glasses are not very good, but I have a tendency to bring my own glassware. BYOB and much of the food can be on the spicy side, so I suggest champagne and white wines with at least a little RS. The curries are as good as any in town.

Last night we particularly enjoyed Crispy Fish with Jungle Salad, Tom Yum Milky Broth, Green Bean Salad, Marinated Pork Spare Ribs, In-On Thai Spicy Fish, Baked Shrimp with Clear Noodles, Stir Fry Bamboo Shoot and Panang Curry.

In-On Thai
4641 N. Broadway

by **John Danza** » June 3rd, 2019, 1:18 pm

Paul Miller wrote: ↑June 3rd, 2019, 12:11 pm Dawali moved to the West Loop. Not sure if it’s still BYOB. Now out of my neighborhood.

The address on their website is the same that we have listed here. I'll leave them as is unless someone knows of a change in policy.

by **Paul Miller** » June 3rd, 2019, 12:11 pm

Dawali moved to the West Loop. Not sure if it’s still BYOB. Now out of my neighborhood.

by **John Danza** » June 3rd, 2019, 11:49 am

Hello all,

I've removed HB Home Bistro from the list because I received an email from them last week stating that they were going to close at the end of the month. Also, I've got an email into the GM of the George Trois Group to get an updated policy since Restaurant Michael is no more and is replaced by George Trois (which already existed), Aboyer, and Silencieux.

Does anyone know of any other updated for the list?

by **Paul Miller** » January 13th, 2019, 2:34 pm

Another place I'm surprised is not in our list, is Sun Wah BBQ, Chinese restaurant. Another Michelin guide place. Popular with foodies and wine geeks. Known for their Peking Duck. HUGE menu. Went with two other couples. Ordered ONE order of the Peking Duck, and it is a HUGE serving. First they bring the duck, chop if up, and it includes buns. Then they take away the carcass, and come back with soup and duck-fried rice. The Peking Duck is a must, just understand it's a lot of food, so great to share, or more than enough food for a couple. We also ordered a few other items that were all good.

It's technically not BYOB, although everyone talks like it is. They do have a bar, but you can bring wine. $10/bottle corkage. Them seemed aggravated we did not bring a corkscrew. Glasses were generic.

Highly recommend the place. With duck, corkage, and extra food, it was still only about $50/couple. Definitely call well ahead for reservations, as it can get slammed.

Sun Wah BBQ (Chinese)
5039 N Broadway
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 769-1254
They do have a bar, but $10 corkage per bottle. Basic glasses.
http://sunwahbbq.com/

by **Paul Miller** » January 13th, 2019, 2:24 pm

We went to Old Town Folk School the other night to see Isabella Rossellini. Up the street, and across is Luella's Southern Kitchen. It's southern/creole, and it's BYOB. Simple place, but great food, and relatively cheap. It made the Michelin Guide. They have some simple, stemless wine glasses and a corkscrew. Again, good food and BYOB if you're up in that area.

IMG_3260.JPG

Above is a Pimento-Cheese Hamburger (with an egg), fries, mac-n-cheese (OMG), and a bowl of Gumbo. Brought a 2012 Rivers-Marie Pinot, Kanzler Vnyd.

Luella's Southern Kitchen
4609 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 961-8196
BYOB. No corkage. Generic, stemless wine glasses.
http://luellassouthernkitchen.com/

by **J. D'Antonio** » January 10th, 2019, 5:21 am

Trust me, I have. So many fantastic places to eat in your city.

by **John Danza** » January 9th, 2019, 6:38 am

J. D'Antonio wrote: ↑January 8th, 2019, 6:20 pm Good to know, thanks. Maybe sharing with the server as well got them to look the other way!

Or just go somewhere else without a crazy policy like that.

by **J. D'Antonio** » January 8th, 2019, 6:20 pm

Good to know, thanks. Maybe sharing with the server as well got them to look the other way!

by **Keith A k e r s** » January 8th, 2019, 4:32 pm

J. D'Antonio wrote: ↑January 8th, 2019, 2:24 pm Did that change at Bavette's recently? I've been there several times over the years and not had the bottle limit. It has been about 1.5 years since I've been there, however.

It's been that way at all Hogsalt restaurants for a while. It was maybe 2013 or 2014 when some friends and I went into Maude's to do a dinner and we were informed about the policy change. I think it's up to the discretion of the server, but I haven't spent much time in a Hogsalt spot since then sadly

by **J. D'Antonio** » January 8th, 2019, 2:24 pm

Did that change at Bavette's recently? I've been there several times over the years and not had the bottle limit. It has been about 1.5 years since I've been there, however.

by **John Danza** » January 8th, 2019, 9:50 am

Doug Sher wrote: ↑January 8th, 2019, 7:27 am
Michael_H wrote: ↑December 31st, 2018, 9:53 am Hi John, I'm new to the forum but love that you have such an extensive list. Can you add Bavette's? Also, please remove Boarding House. Sadly, the restaurant closed this past summer.

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
Corkage fee is sharing 1 glass per bottle with a table of your choice
Nice stems
218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
bavettessteakhouse.com
I believe there is a limit of 1 bottle for every two people at your table, for what it's worth.

Hmmm... one bottle per two people, and you have to give up a glass to another table. Really cuts down what you have to drink.

by **Keith A k e r s** » January 8th, 2019, 8:09 am

John Danza wrote: ↑January 6th, 2019, 7:42 pm
Keith A k e r s wrote: ↑January 5th, 2019, 6:35 am I wanted to add in an update on Cellar Door Provisions. They are now $20 corkage generally and $10 if you bring in a wine from Diversey Wine a few doors down
I've updated the entry Keith. Seems pretty steep for a place with such a limited menu. How is the food?

I thought the food was fantastic. This was a more root veg-heavy menu, so that wasn't entirely my thing, but I was still really impressed with what they had

by **Michael_H** » January 8th, 2019, 7:33 am

Doug Sher wrote: ↑January 8th, 2019, 7:27 am
Michael_H wrote: ↑December 31st, 2018, 9:53 am Hi John, I'm new to the forum but love that you have such an extensive list. Can you add Bavette's? Also, please remove Boarding House. Sadly, the restaurant closed this past summer.

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
Corkage fee is sharing 1 glass per bottle with a table of your choice
Nice stems
218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
bavettessteakhouse.com
I believe there is a limit of 1 bottle for every two people at your table, for what it's worth.

Doug, that sounds right to me. I've always just gone with my wife and a single bottle. They have fantastic cocktails that we typically start and end the meal with so 1 bottle has always been enough for us.

by **Doug Sher** » January 8th, 2019, 7:27 am

Michael_H wrote: ↑December 31st, 2018, 9:53 am Hi John, I'm new to the forum but love that you have such an extensive list. Can you add Bavette's? Also, please remove Boarding House. Sadly, the restaurant closed this past summer.

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
Corkage fee is sharing 1 glass per bottle with a table of your choice
Nice stems
218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
bavettessteakhouse.com

I believe there is a limit of 1 bottle for every two people at your table, for what it's worth.

by **John Danza** » January 6th, 2019, 7:42 pm

Keith A k e r s wrote: ↑January 5th, 2019, 6:35 am I wanted to add in an update on Cellar Door Provisions. They are now $20 corkage generally and $10 if you bring in a wine from Diversey Wine a few doors down

I've updated the entry Keith. Seems pretty steep for a place with such a limited menu. How is the food?

by **Keith A k e r s** » January 5th, 2019, 6:35 am

I wanted to add in an update on Cellar Door Provisions. They are now $20 corkage generally and $10 if you bring in a wine from Diversey Wine a few doors down

by **John Danza** » January 2nd, 2019, 11:11 am

Michael_H wrote: ↑December 31st, 2018, 9:53 am Hi John, I'm new to the forum but love that you have such an extensive list. Can you add Bavette's? Also, please remove Boarding House. Sadly, the restaurant closed this past summer.

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
Corkage fee is sharing 1 glass per bottle with a table of your choice
Nice stems
218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
bavettessteakhouse.com

Welcome to the board Michael! I've made both updates. Thanks for the info.

by **Michael_H** » December 31st, 2018, 9:53 am

Hi John, I'm new to the forum but love that you have such an extensive list. Can you add Bavette's? Also, please remove Boarding House. Sadly, the restaurant closed this past summer.

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
Corkage fee is sharing 1 glass per bottle with a table of your choice
Nice stems
218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
bavettessteakhouse.com

by **John Danza** » December 30th, 2018, 3:36 am

I just added Mordecai in the Hotel Zachary to the list. It's across from Wrigley Field. I wouldn't normally list a place with $25 corkage as a BYOB place, but the food is excellent and they were really accommodating, so I wanted to make you aware of it.

I think they're accommodating because the wine list is so anemic (under 15 selections total) and generally filled with crap that it almost seems like an afterthought. They're really a cocktail and sports place. But the stems are excellent, and when I asked about a limitation on number of bottles, they said "no, bring a case if you want".

by **Robert Pollard-Smith** » December 15th, 2018, 6:34 pm

Doug Sher wrote: ↑December 9th, 2018, 8:46 pm I've been to Jade Court three times in the last month and have really enjoyed it. The two course service of Peking Duck is very good. I have also enjoyed the beef in XO, pork belly over pickled greens, whole pike and a number of other dishes. The stems are borderline acceptable (I still bring my own) and corkage is free. Dishes probably cost a bit more than some other Chinese places but overall are worth it.

I'll be back soon.

Jade Court
626 S. Racine
Chicago, IL. 60607
312-929-4828

Sounds like an off-line is in the cards.

by **John Danza** » December 10th, 2018, 9:29 am

Doug Sher wrote: ↑December 9th, 2018, 8:46 pm I've been to Jade Court three times in the last month and have really enjoyed it. The two course service of Peking Duck is very good. I have also enjoyed the beef in XO, pork belly over pickled greens, whole pike and a number of other dishes. The stems are borderline acceptable (I still bring my own) and corkage is free. Dishes probably cost a bit more than some other Chinese places but overall are worth it.

I'll be back soon.

Jade Court
626 S. Racine
Chicago, IL. 60607
312-929-4828

Added to the list.

by **Doug Sher** » December 9th, 2018, 8:46 pm

I've been to Jade Court three times in the last month and have really enjoyed it. The two course service of Peking Duck is very good. I have also enjoyed the beef in XO, pork belly over pickled greens, whole pike and a number of other dishes. The stems are borderline acceptable (I still bring my own) and corkage is free. Dishes probably cost a bit more than some other Chinese places but overall are worth it.

I'll be back soon.

Jade Court
626 S. Racine
Chicago, IL. 60607
312-929-4828

by **John Danza** » November 30th, 2018, 1:29 pm

Paul Miller wrote: ↑November 29th, 2018, 2:31 pm Butcher & The Burger
(it's a high-end burger joint)
1021 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 697-3735
BYOB. No corkage; but lousy glassware.
butcherandtheburger.com/

Thanks Paul. The photos look yummy. I've added it to the list.

by **Paul Miller** » November 29th, 2018, 2:31 pm

Butcher & The Burger
(it's a high-end burger joint)
1021 W. Armitage Ave.
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 697-3735
BYOB. No corkage; but lousy glassware.
butcherandtheburger.com/

by **Phil Smith** » November 12th, 2018, 3:07 pm

Paul Miller wrote: ↑November 10th, 2018, 2:47 pm Not really sure where to post this, but the place is kind of a BYOB, but has anybody heard of Birch Road Cellar? There is one on Armitage. Appears to be a "private club" where you can store some wine, and then go there and drink it.

https://www.birchroadcellar.com/

Wondering if anyone here in Chicago on this board have any experience with the place.

I'm a member, though not a particularly active one. There's one in Roscoe Village as well, and you pretty much have it right. Think of it as a BYO bar with small (~18-20 bottle) lockers for whatever booze you keep on site. They have mixers and such available. I wouldn't say it's so wine-centric... I'm at least as likely to see people with beers or cocktails there, and get the feeling that a lot of people use it (and particularly the larger Lincoln Park location) as more of a meeting/co-working space in addition to entertaining. They do have some events and tasting groups and such.

Happy to answer any questions or arrange an introduction to the owners if you're at all interested.

by **Matt Fleming** » November 11th, 2018, 8:28 pm

Paul Miller wrote: ↑November 10th, 2018, 2:47 pm Not really sure where to post this, but the place is kind of a BYOB, but has anybody heard of Birch Road Cellar? There is one on Armitage. Appears to be a "private club" where you can store some wine, and then go there and drink it.

https://www.birchroadcellar.com/

Wondering if anyone here in Chicago on this board have any experience with the place.

Pretty sure that is where Kubrick filmed Sydney Pollack's scenes in Eyes Wide Shut.

by **Paul Miller** » November 10th, 2018, 2:47 pm

Not really sure where to post this, but the place is kind of a BYOB, but has anybody heard of Birch Road Cellar? There is one on Armitage. Appears to be a "private club" where you can store some wine, and then go there and drink it.

https://www.birchroadcellar.com/

Wondering if anyone here in Chicago on this board have any experience with the place.

by **John Danza** » October 12th, 2018, 10:58 am

Keith A k e r s wrote: ↑October 11th, 2018, 7:46 am I have two new ones to add:

Duck Inn
2701 S Eleanor
Reidel O stems
$25 corkage
(312) 724-8811
website

Passerotto
5420 N Clark Ave
Reidel O Stems
$15 corkage
website

Thanks Keith. I've put them on the list.

by **Mike Lindauer** » October 11th, 2018, 1:05 pm

David K o l i n wrote: ↑October 11th, 2018, 9:42 am
Paul Miller wrote: ↑October 11th, 2018, 8:35 am Need to remove Bistro Compagne from the list. They've been gone awhile.
Chef Michael died a while ago, but I'm pretty sure they are still open

Ate there a few months ago. I don't remember the corkage fee, but stems were good and our server was knowledgeable.

by **Paul Miller** » October 11th, 2018, 11:32 am

David K o l i n wrote: ↑October 11th, 2018, 9:42 am
Paul Miller wrote: ↑October 11th, 2018, 8:35 am Need to remove Bistro Compagne from the list. They've been gone awhile.
Chef Michael died a while ago, but I'm pretty sure they are still open

Sorry. I was thinking of another restaurant. Brain fart.

by **David K o l i n** » October 11th, 2018, 9:42 am

Paul Miller wrote: ↑October 11th, 2018, 8:35 am Need to remove Bistro Compagne from the list. They've been gone awhile.

Chef Michael died a while ago, but I'm pretty sure they are still open

by **Paul Miller** » October 11th, 2018, 8:35 am

Need to remove Bistro Compagne from the list. They've been gone awhile.

by **Michael Klein** » October 11th, 2018, 7:59 am

I guess worth noting is Entente - I am going there tomorrow night, but spoke to them yesterday about corkage. $30/btl with a 2 btl limit.

by **Keith A k e r s** » October 11th, 2018, 7:46 am

I have two new ones to add:

Duck Inn
2701 S Eleanor
Reidel O stems
$25 corkage
(312) 724-8811
website

Passerotto
5420 N Clark Ave
Reidel O Stems
$15 corkage
website

by **John Danza** » August 25th, 2018, 8:47 pm

George Hejna wrote: ↑August 25th, 2018, 4:23 pm If you don't want to eat in any restaurants that hire illegals then you should probably just stay at home.

George

No, the business owners should go to jail.

by **Corey N.** » August 25th, 2018, 5:27 pm

George Hejna wrote: ↑August 25th, 2018, 4:23 pm If you don't want to eat in any restaurants that hire illegals then you should probably just stay at home.

George

I think it’s quite a bit more than that. The accusation was he took advantage of their immigration status and physically beat someone.

I won’t be going back.

by **George Hejna** » August 25th, 2018, 4:23 pm

If you don't want to eat in any restaurants that hire illegals then you should probably just stay at home.

George

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