Surprises!

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Lovely little additions to my life.

 1. Groupon

600 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 676-5773

Categories: Local Flavor, Social Clubs

Neighbourhoods: Near North Side, River North

5.0 star rating
  3/10/2009

What's not to love?  I've gotten some amazing deals at some great places that I probably would have never known existed.  Well, I guess it's kind of a love/hate for me, because I just can't seem to resist the deal of the day.  $75…More »

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 2. Stanley's Fruit & Vegetables

1558 N Elston Ave
Chicago, IL 60642
(773) 276-8050

Category: Fruits & Veggies

Neighbourhood: Noble Square

5.0 star rating
  11/20/2008

I'm seriously giggling like a schoolgirl every time I leave this place.  4 huge bags of produce for $10?  Sign me up!  I've always found the produce here to be fresh, delicious and cheap.  After reading the reviews, I wasn't expecting my fruit and…More »

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 3. The Drawing Room

937 N Rush St
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 266-2694

Categories: American (New), Lounges

Neighbourhood: Near North Side

5.0 star rating
  3/21/2009

hehehe hehe hehe  

I am giggling because I LOVE this place!  Oh Drawing Room, you had me at the amuse cocktail.  

I imagine if Violet Hour and Blue 13 got together and had a kid, it would be The Drawing Room.  From seeing pictures, I thought the…More »

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 4. TAG

1441 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80202
(303) 996-9985

Category: American (New)

Neighbourhoods: Northwest, Lodo

5.0 star rating
  7/26/2010

First of all, Tyler the bartender rocks.  

I must be completely frustrating to dine with.  I am totally indecisive but I know what I like and don't like to be disappointed.  The signature cocktails looked delicious (and they were, the swizzle and the…More »

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 5. Drinks Over Dearborn - CLOSED

650 N Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 337-9463

Category: Beer, Wine & Spirits

Neighbourhood: Near North Side

5.0 star rating
  4/16/2010

After months of thinking it looked cool, I finally made it to Drinks Over Dearborn.  My first event was the Heaven Hill whiskey tasting.  I've been to many tastings before, even some in the distillery, so I was pretty sure what I was getting into.…More »

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 6. Blue 13 - CLOSED

416 W Ontario St
Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 787-1400

Category: American (New)

Neighbourhoods: Near North Side, River North

5.0 star rating
  11/25/2008

The food here is fabulous!  I loved every bite.  The presentation is great, just like similar upscale restaurants, but without the combination of 100 different other flavors in sauce form drizzled around the plate.  I started with the fish & chips,…More »

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 7. Universal Sole

3052 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657
(773) 868-0893

Categories: Shoe Stores, Sports Wear

Neighbourhood: Lakeview

5.0 star rating
  5/5/2010 ROTD 12/5/2010

This place deserves a million stars!  OK, now I sound like I'm on the Maury show, "I'm a MILLION percent sure..."

Seriously, Jessica at Universal Sole saved my running life...and my sanity.  You see, I've had major shin splint issues for the past…More »

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 8. Salt Tasting Room

45 Blood Alley
Vancouver, BC V6B 1A4
Canada
(604) 633-1912

Categories: Wine Bars, Tapas/Small Plates

Neighbourhoods: Downtown, Gastown

5.0 star rating
  6/5/2009

After reading all the reviews, I was starting to think that "Salt" was short for "assault" since every review referenced the shady alley where it is located.  Well, instead of a chalk outline in front of the restaurant, there was a cute chalk sign…More »

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 9. Custom House Tavern

500 S Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60605
(312) 523-0200

Category: American (New)

Neighbourhoods: Printer's Row, South Loop

5.0 star rating
  12/15/2010

I'd like to thank Groupon for bringing me to another great place that I never would have known about.  As soon as we walked in, I noticed the awesome atmosphere.  The huge windows give the dining room a modern and open feel but the soft brown tones…More »

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 10. Cactus Club Cafe

588 Burrard St
Vancouver, BC V7X 1M9
Canada
(604) 682-0933

Categories: Canadian (New), Burgers

Neighbourhood: Downtown

5.0 star rating
  6/13/2009

Martini lunch?  Yes please!  Apparently I wasn't the only one.  This place is huge, modern and packed.  We managed to just beat the rush, though, so we scored a table outside to enjoy the beautiful weather.  Since they were having a martini special,…More »

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 11. Chez Colette - CLOSED

5550 N River Rd
Rosemont, IL 60018
(847) 928-6951

Categories: French, Hotels

5.0 star rating
  3/31/2009

To all the restaurants I've loved before:  I don't mean to gallivant around town (and sometimes other towns) sampling the goods of other restaurants, but I just can't help myself.  I'm in love again, with another.

While staying at the Hilton O'Hare…More »

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 12. Crofton On Wells - CLOSED

535 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 755-1790

Category: American (New)

Neighbourhoods: Near North Side, River North

5.0 star rating
  10/27/2009

I've always had mixed feelings about trying this place, but since there was a Groupon, I decided to give it a go.  Wow, was I surprised.

The atmosphere is cozy and I felt right at home.  Our server was friendly and down to earth.  I really liked it.

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 13. Clandestino Supper Club

Chicago, IL 60608

Category: American (New)

Neighbourhood: Pilsen

5.0 star rating
  2/26/2009

After discovering Clandestino, I had to try it, so I signed up for the Iron Chef dinner featuring Chef Efrain and Chef Saul Schwartz.  I was so excited when I got an email a few days before announcing that the secret ingredient was shrimp.  I was…More »

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 14. Violet Hour

1520 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 252-1500

Categories: Lounges, American (New)

Neighbourhood: Wicker Park

5.0 star rating
  3/18/2009

Woo hoo!  I finally made it to Violet Hour!  I'm used to throwing out suggestions and having them shot down, so you can imagine how excited I was when, after some sush and cocktails, the girls agreed to go.  Thanks cocktails!

So anyhow, I was kind of…More »

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 15. Boka

1729 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 337-6070

Category: American (New)

Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park

5.0 star rating
  7/29/2008

I took my sister to Boka to celebrate her graduation from high school.  I was thrilled with the experience from start to finish.  From the moment we walked in the door, we were treated like royalty.  Our waiter was very attentive, but not…More »

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 16. One Sixtyblue - CLOSED

1400 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 850-0303

Category: American (New)

Neighbourhoods: Near West Side, West Loop

5.0 star rating
  2/21/2009 ROTD 11/6/2009

Holy cow, the food here is ridiculous!  I swear I was about to lick the plate before the server took it away.  I told him that and he said, "it wouldn't be the first time".  Funny...and true.

We went last night for Restaurant Week.  I had pretty high…More »

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 17. ALÓ - CLOSED

4447 N Central Expy
Dallas, TX 75334
(214) 520-9711
5.0 star rating
  2/10/2009

Hold on to your hats kids, cuz I'm about to rave.  I love this place so much, I want to cry.  Kind of like when you meet "the one" and you "just know".  Starving and lost, trying to find the Office Max, we happened upon a strip mall with a…More »

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 18. Duke's Bar & Grill

2616 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-0250

Categories: Bars, American (Traditional), Burgers

Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park

5.0 star rating
  10/13/2008

I love this place, it is my standby whenever someone says, "let's meet for drinks, you pick the place".  The best part about it is the friendly staff.  The bartenders always remember me and remarkably seem to remember the last time I was there as…More »

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 19. Cibo Gourmet Market

O'Hare International Airport
Chicago, IL 60666

Category: Grocery

5.0 star rating
  Update - 5/19/2009

When I was leaving the airport the other day, I noticed that there was one of these in Terminal 2 also.  So I just betcha there's one in Terminal 1 as well.

This morning, I eagerly made my way to Cibo for some breakfast goodies and I saw something…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    5/7/2009 First to Review

    I've done it, I've found the oasis at O'Hare!  Seriously, I'm so excited, I can barely stand it!

    Read more »

 20. The Fireplace Inn

1448 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 664-5264

Category: Barbeque

Neighbourhoods: Old Town, Near North Side

4.0 star rating
  11/20/2008

I'm kind of surprised by all of the negative reviews.  I think that Fireplace Inn is the best place to watch a game in the city.  I can only speak for the bar side, but the atmosphere is always lively, good crowd, there are plenty of tv's so that you…More »

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 21. Gus New Quality Shoe Repair

2361 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 525-0133

Category: Shoe Repair

Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park

5.0 star rating
  8/25/2008

I have been to Gus's several times over the past year to repair my favorite shoes that I keep wearing out.  After the first visit I was so happy, I immediately went home and found more shoes that could be saved by Gus.  Not only does he fix your…More »

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 22. House of Hunan

444 W Fullerton Pkwy
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 929-3212

Category: Chinese

Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park

5.0 star rating
  11/19/2008

I wasn't expecting much from House of Hunan.  In fact, it was our second choice when the restaurant we were planning to go to was closed, but what the hell, we had a coupon.  Long story short, I love this place.  We decided to dine in and were seated…More »

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 23. Richard's Bar

491 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 733-2251

Category: Dive Bars

Neighbourhoods: River West, Near West Side

5.0 star rating
  3/1/2009

I just love Richard's.  I somehow always end up there on a random night of the week and it is packed with a representative from about every walk of life.  Anywhere from the conventioneer (complete with namebadge) breaking it down with the latest…More »

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 24. Tsuki - CLOSED

1441-43 W Fullerton Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 883-8722

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese

Neighbourhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul

5.0 star rating
  Update - 7/10/2009

This place has amazing deals.  We signed up for the mailing list and they've sent us a couple of different deals, both involving 50% off food!  And it's good food...still.  Every time we go, it is fresh and delicious.  It is one of the few places…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 5.0 star rating
    12/25/2008

    So I admit it, I'm a yelp snob.  I usually refuse to eat at restaurants with less than 4 stars, but… Read more »

 25. In Fine Spirits Lounge - CLOSED

5420 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 334-9463

Categories: American (New), Wine Bars

Neighbourhoods: Andersonville, Edgewater

4.0 star rating
  12/15/2010

I'm always on the lookout for a great place to have drinks.  And if you throw in some cheese, I'm a very happy camper.  I have to admit, though, I'm a little hesitant when I see a beautiful list of cocktails.  Maybe because I've been duped with sour…More »

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 26. Residence Inn Phoenix Desert View at Mayo Clinic

5665 E Mayo Blvd
Phoenix, AZ 85054
(480) 563-1500

Category: Hotels

5.0 star rating
  2/19/2009 First to Review

I am a huge fan of this place.  Our group had a conference at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge and all of the staff (that's me!) stayed at the Residence Inn.  We were the first group to stay in the hotel.  Where do I start?  I kinda feel like I'm about…More »

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 27. RM Seafood

3930 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 632-9300

Categories: Seafood, Sushi Bars

Neighbourhood: The Strip

5.0 star rating
  4/13/2009

I was put in charge of planning an impromptu cocktail party for 20 of my friends/coworkers.  Since we'd all been to every restaurant in Mandalay Bay like 100 times, I decided to go somewhere new (to me anyway).  Enter RM Seafood.

I requested to be in…More »

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 28. Minus 5 Ice Bar

3930 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas, NV 89119
(702) 740-5800

Category: Lounges

Neighbourhood: The Strip

5.0 star rating
  4/14/2009

So I have to start my review with a very big apology to the camera guy.  I totally broke the rules and took tons of pics, even though he kept asking me to stop.  I'm really sorry, but I was so excited to be in an ice bar that I couldn't help myself.…More »

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 29. Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel

163 E Walton St
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 751-8100

Category: Hotels

Neighbourhoods: Near North Side, Streeterville

4.0 star rating
  10/25/2009

I was attending a conference at the Drake and was a bit disappointed to learn that I had been moved over to the Knickerbocker.  My coworkers were all staying at the Drake and I was pretty sure the Knickerbocker would be a step down.  Especially when…More »

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 30. ROOF

201 N State St
Chicago, IL 60601
(312) 239-9501

Categories: Lounges, American (New)

Neighbourhood: The Loop

4.0 star rating
  Update - 7/26/2010

OK, I finally made it to Roof during the summer and let me just say, now I understand what people were raving about.  Almost cool enough to wait in line for.  Who am I kidding?  I don't wait in line.  But nevertheless, the atmosphere on the outdoor…More »

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1 Previous Review: Show all »

  • 3.0 star rating
    1/11/2010

    This place is the definition of "A-OK" for me.  Decor was good, view was good, service was good, but… Read more »

 31. Esparza's Restaurante Mexicano

124 E Worth St
Grapevine, TX 76051
(817) 481-4668
5.0 star rating
  1/14/2009

I hate gourmet Mexican food.  That being said, I LOVE this place!  5 reasons for 5 stars:

1.  Perfectly spicy salsa.  Delightfully hot, but not "run around the room" hot.  And you get your own cup!  Yay!

2.  The Esparzita.  I took another reviewer's…More »

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 32. Webster's Wine Bar

1480 W Webster Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 868-0608

Category: Wine Bars

Neighbourhood: DePaul

4.0 star rating
  2/9/2009

What's not to love?  They have a great wine list and plenty of flights for those of us who can never decide.  I am also a huge fan of the cheese selection.  I love cheese and any place that has such a great selection and detailed descriptions is…More »

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 33. Lula Café

2537 N Kedzie Blvd
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 489-9554

Categories: American (New), Breakfast & Brunch

Neighbourhood: Logan Square

5.0 star rating
  2/12/2009

I've been hearing how great Lula is for brunch and I finally got the opportunity to check it out for myself.  I was expecting a long wait, but we only ended up waiting about 15 minutes for a great table near the front windows.  Not only that, but we…More »

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 34. Irazu Costa Rican Restaurant & Catering

1865 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 252-5687

Categories: Latin American, Vegetarian, Caterers

Neighbourhood: Bucktown

4.0 star rating
  2/9/2009

I love the fact that Chicago has a Costa Rican restaurant!  I have spent a lot of time in Costa Rica and I am in love with the food.  I was really excited that they had some of my favorite dishes on the menu.  We had the taco Tico, gallo pinto and…More »

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 35. Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge

332 E Illinois St
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 527-2888

Categories: Sushi Bars, Japanese, Asian Fusion

Neighbourhood: Near North Side

4.0 star rating
  11/19/2008

I like this place.  The restaurant has a great atmosphere and the menu offers options outside of the average, run of the mill sushi that most other Japanese restaurants offer.  I have been there twice and both times, the sushi has been fresh,…More »

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 36. Stanley's Kitchen and Tap

1970 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 642-0007

Categories: Southern, Karaoke

Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park

4.0 star rating
  11/20/2008

The brunch here is ridiculous.  I hate buffets, but the buffet here is a little piece of heaven.  I think every one of my favorite comfort foods are represented and complimented well by a liter sized bloody mary or pint sized mimosa.  Woo hoo!

Sunday…More »

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 37. Nookies Too

2112 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 327-1400

Categories: Breakfast & Brunch, Burgers, American (Traditional)

Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park

4.0 star rating
  11/20/2008

I love this place.  Call me old fashioned, but sometimes it's nice to have regular old brunch, like dishes that don't include the word "orgy".  I about fell out of my chair when I first saw the dixie benedict on the menu.  I often have trouble…More »

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 38. Pasta Palazzo

1966 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
(773) 248-1400

Category: Italian

Neighbourhoods: Lincoln Park, DePaul

4.0 star rating
  11/20/2008

Great neighborhood place.  The pasta is always fresh and very tasty...and inexpensive!  New specials are offered each day so you have a chance to mix it up a bit.  It's a pretty small space, but kind of cozy and it's nice to see the chefs cooking…More »

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 39. Alinea

1723 N Halsted St
Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 867-0110

Category: American (New)

Neighbourhood: Lincoln Park

5.0 star rating
  8/25/2008

Our evening at Alinea was an experience to remember.  Definitely exceeded our expectations and was truly one of the greatest dining experiences that I have ever had.  We went with the 12 course menu and opted for the wine pairings as well.  I'm so…More »

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 40. Thai Avenue

4949 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60640
(773) 878-2222

Category: Thai

Neighbourhood: Uptown

4.0 star rating
  3/30/2009

This is my favorite Thai delivery place.  The Pad Kee Mao is probably the best I've had in the city.  The first time I forgot to order it spicy.  Last time, I ordered it extra spicy.  I don't think they believed me, though, because it arrived with a…More »

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"Somewhere...under the radar..."

Review votes:
986 Useful, 590 Funny, and 666 Cool

Location

Chicago, IL

Yelping Since

July 2008

Things I Love

aperitifs, Cadbury creme eggs, black licorice, St. Louis Cardinals, ice cream, Maury, bungee jumping, uni with quail egg, manhattans, Brazilian Axe music, foie gras, canyoning, dark beer, Latin America, mountains, Jimmy Choos, micheladas

Find Me In

You can't catch me!

My Hometown

Denver, CO

When I'm Not Yelping...

Jet Settin'

My Second Favourite Website

http://www.seatguru.com

My First Concert

Warrant & Firehouse at Red Rocks

My Favourite Movie

In the lead right now...a tie between The Reader & Gran Torino

My Last Meal On Earth

will need a VERY large table

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I think jury duty is fascinating

Most Recent Discovery

The "I Didn't Know I Was Pregnant" marathon on TLC.  Awesome.

Current Crush

beer