short notice rec. (Tonight 6:00-ish)

Going to a gallery opening where I know nothing about the neighborhood. Coordinates are roughly 2000 W., anywhere between Chicago and Division (north/south-wise).

Any style/ethnicity, but basically casual and not a big splurge. $-$$, by restaurant guide standards. A great pub menu, or noodle joint would be fine. What's out there?

Thanks all.

For a good bar with decent food, I would recommend Cleo's. Its on Chicago just East of Damon on the South side of the street. Food and drinks are both pretty cheap.


Cleos
1935 W. Chicago Ave.
312-243-5600

Smokedaddy at 1804 W. Division is one of my favorite places in Chicago for BBQ meats of any sort (ribs, pulled pork, brisket. Their ribs are huge.)

If you want something a little different, and slightly further down the street, there's Papa's on about 2500-ish W. Division (on the south side of the street, about 3 streets past Western.) They're more a hole-in-the-wall, and they don't serve beer, but they have fantastic Puerto Rican rotisserie chicken and -one of my favorite sandwiches in the city: the jabarito. If you've never had this local culinary invention, do give it a shot one day. It's basically a garlicky cheesesteak sandwich served on deep fried plantains instead of bread. It is simply fantastic.

Does anyone know if Leo's Lunchroom is still a going concern? If so, I recommend it. It has a printed menu with 'ordinary' sandwiches and comfort food. Then there's a blackboard menu with fancier well-prepared entrees. The place is a tiny storefront dive and still a bit of a hidden gem.

Leo's Lunchroom
1809 W. Division Ave.
(773) 276-6509

not far is Maiz (1041 N California)

Some recent reviews on here

essentially pre-european Mexican food. Amazing service, outstanding cocktails and tasty, fresh food.

I second the recommendation for the newly reopened Maiz. I was recently there and it was really good. Keep in mind, I am pretty sure its cash only. Also, I went by Papas on Wednesday and it was closed. I dont remember this being the case. Anyone know what the deal is/was?

Marquee wrote:I second the recommendation for the newly reopened Maiz. I was recently there and it was really good. Keep in mind, I am pretty sure its cash only. Also, I went by Papas on Wednesday and it was closed. I dont remember this being the case. Anyone know what the deal is/was?

Egad! Say it ain't so! I hope it's temporary...