Casual, cheap, and DIFFERENT dining in Chicago?

Question

I am looking for a very UNIQUE place to eat in Chicago.
-Something that costs around $20 or less per person (unless it is just absolutely awesome)
-You can wear jeans and nobody gives you the evil eye
-Relaxed atmosphere
-Something WEIRD, UNUSUAL, or THEMED
-Romantic or fun

Just to give you an idea, we are in our early 20's, really laid back, artsy, and love anything odd or eccentric. We're goths, so I don't want to walk into a place wearing a corset and bondage pants only to find that the dress code is formal dinner attire. We'd like to avoid anything "stuffy" or "proper" because we are the exact opposite, but on the other hand we don't want a place that is ordinary either.

-Do the waiters sing or can you dance on the bartop?
-Do you make your own food?
You know-something weird!!!!!!

Answer 1

the twisted spoke on the weekends its porn and eggs- check out their web site

Answer 2

Forget all the answers that said Ed Debevic's. It's a super touristy place and if you're wearing bondage pants you'll stand out there like a gothic sore thumb next to some plump family from Iowa wearing Dockers. Also forget the Greek town suggestion. Again, it's sort of touristy now, although it's mostly people from the burbs who used to live in the area and come back to reminensce. It's not cheap and while you don't have to dress formal, bondage pants and corsets will make you stand out like a piece of saganaki made out of bubble gum.

Try places in Wicker Park. It was the artsy/band hangout area a long time ago when the rents were cheap. it still has a little of that, but the yuppies and corporations found out about it and now there's Gaps and Starbucks, etc. But try the Pontiac Cafe in Wicker park. You can get standard burger type food, but they do have a few special dishes. It's located in a converted gas station. If the weather is nice they have outside dining. No one will blink an eye if you eat there.

Since you're in that area, walk down Milwaukee Ave. or North Ave. There's the Earwax cafe. It's more of a coffee shop but they some a little food if you're not TOO hungry. Not sure if they've changed the place, but they used to have a carnival sideshow theme with artifacts and posters from carnivals. On the North Ave. side there are a few places like Piece, a pizza restaurant place owned by one of the guys from Cheap Trick. It's kinda yuppie-ish, but most of them are used to seeing the whole goth thing.

You can also try walking down to the area around Division and Damen. It's not too far from the Wicker Park area so it still has the same artsy vibe. There are a few places that are good and cheap. Not sure if Smoke Daddy is still there, but they made some pretty good barbeque (not sure if you're vegan or not)...

And since you are all of drinking age, there are a LOT of cool bars around there with live music. etc

If you want vegetarian stuff, there are a few other places around chicago. Write if you want info for those.

Answer 3

You'll want to stay far, far away from Navy Pier and Ed Debevic's.

I'll second the Twisted Spoke recommendation: http://www.twistedspoke.com/

The person who recommended the Bucktown/Wicker Park area is also spot on. The pizza at Piece is really really good, and they brew their own beers, but it is a major frat/sports bar vibe. They won't look cross-eyed at goths, though. I like Silver Cloud Bar & Grill (1700 N. Damen Ave): http://www.silvercloudchicago.com/

Another great choice would be Kitsch'n on Roscoe (2005 W Roscoe) in Roscoe Village. Comfort food in a "70s chic" atmosphere. http://www.kitschn.com/

In the same neighborhood is Hot Doug's, Sausage Superstore and Encased Meat Emporium. It's the BEST place in town for a hot dog, Chicago-style or otherwise: http://www.hotdougs.com/ Famous for their specials, and fresh cut fries!

Wanna make your own food?

Try Flat Top Grill, particularly the Lakeview location at 3200 N. Southport Ave. (http://www.flattopgrill.com/menu.htm)

For extra cool DIY, go to San Soo Gab San, a great Korean BBQ and sushi place (5247 N. Western Ave). It's open ultra late and is always packed with locals. The seafood pancake is divine.

Something else different -- make the trip to Chinatown on the South Side. Lao Sze Chuan (2172 S. Archer Ave) is so good, I dream about all the different ways they prepare green beans and Japanese eggplant. http://www.laoszechuan.com/

Joy Yee (2159 S. China Place) is also hugely popular there. It's pan-Asian, not just Chinese. The menu has literally hundreds of items, so choosing can be a big challenge, and they don't do everything equally well. I've had some terrific dishes, and several not-so-terrific dishes. If you're a lover of bubble tea, though, it's a must. http://www.joyyee.com/

Answer 4

Well if you're looking to "fit in" try the Clark and Belmont area. Its an area where the punk movement in was big a good 10-15 years ago. Where the 77's hung out, if you know what I'm talking about. Lots of yuppies are mixed in now, but there is unique shopping and people in that area. I work in one of the shops in the area so I see a total mix of people. And there's all sorts of cuisine, morocan, indian, thai, african, you name it. And the place the other person was talking about, the Twisted Spoke is just a little north of there on Clark, its more of a biker bar, but lots of different sorts of people go in there, its fun too. Also the "4 points" in Wicker Park/Bucktown area is the area people seem to flock to now, its where Milwaukee and Damen meet. There are lots of places to eat in that area and culture as well. Go to www.citysearch.com and look under Chicago or www.metromix.com to read about things on your own that are rated. Okay last but not least, I have never been to these places, but I hear about a place you can eat sushi off from a naked person (look in citysearch) and play put put in a funeral home basement. Strange, but may be interesting? Good bars, Delilahs, Exit, if you want a goth bar with dancing, Neo (on clark as well) and people are talking about the Cobra Lounge, its kinda new, never been there. Sorry so long.

Answer 5

As far as dancing on tables and bars Coyote Ugly and Ed Debevic's is the only two places that does stuff like that. Making your own food nope....there's other weird places, if you like go to to www.ChicagoReader.com they got some weird places you can find on there. If you want weird clothing stores 99th Floor, Tabou Tabou and The Alley are the spot if you're a gothic punk rock kind of person and don't forget Ragstock. The Alley is located on Halsted at the corner of Belmont....the original entrance to the alley was in an alley until it was moved to the Halsted Street side.

Answer 6

Coyote Ugly Saloon
http://www.coyoteuglysaloon.com/
316 W Erie St
Chicago, IL 60610
[phone]

Answer 7

There are hundreds of unique places. Go ethinic...most neighborhood places are cheap and good. Chicago has several mid-eastern, Asian, Latin American, Celtic, Polynesian and even American neighborhoods. Drive around and help yourself.

Greektown waiters usually sing. Sushi bars let you pick the fish. All these places will tell you about the food and customs.

For cheap, avoid downtown and tourist places like Navy Pier or Rush St. You will be just helping out with the high rent they are being charged.

Answer 8

Ed Debevic's is a great place to eat! It is a very casual. The waitstaff will dance on the bar top, make fun of customers, tell jokes, and much more! And they have good food to boot!


Downtown Chicago
640 N. Wells St.
Chicago, Il 60620
Restaurant Phone: [phone]

Answer 9

ed devevick's is fun 50's style diner with singing waiters and if you want different go on Devon and eat Indian or Mexican
0r drinks and tapas at BaBaBarriba or
Visit a greektown restaurant in Lincoln Park

if you set your mind to it you can ave a good tme anywhere

Answer 10

There are some good places at Navy Pier. One that comes to mind is Bubba Gumps. It's right at the entrance to The Pier.
There is also teh Rock and Roll McDonalds- for a cheap- cheap outting.

Answer 11

Forget all the answers that said Ed Debevic's.

Actually she described Ed Debevics perfectly, although touristy it fits exactly her description...