I had a long day & it was time to board the brown line during rush hour.  Clearly, I was excited.  After I squeezed myself into the car I found myself between a woman incessantly talking on the phone and a man with no sense of personal space.  I can do this, I told myself, just zone out for a bit and I’ll be there in no time.  To be fair, I lasted a few stops before an abrupt break sent me flying down the aisle.  Naturally, I decided it was time for a drink.  I got off at the next stop which happened to be Belmont.  I walked a couple blocks checking out my options until I came across a large neon sign stating “Home of the Killer Margaritas”.  There might as well been a halo around it because it felt like a sign from heaven.

Cesar’s Margarita

I walked in and was immediately seated in a comfortable, warmly lit table.  Before I could take off my coat a server dropped warm chips and salsa on the table.  At this point, I’m feeling pretty good about my decision.  My waitress approached me with a menu and without a glance I inform her that I’d like a margarita, and I wouldn’t mind if it were stronger than usual.  “What flavor?” she asked.  I gave her a blank stare thinking umm MARGARITA FLAVOR, until she flipped the menu over to show me a variety of fruity options.  There were flavors varying from passion fruit to tamarindo, frozen or rocks, Midori or Grand Marnier.  The best part?  The size options are Large, Mega, or Pitcher.  This place clearly knows the way to my heart.

I ordered a mega lime margarita on the rocks, with salt.  I sat back and took in my surroundings.  This place isn’t huge, but it’s not tremendously small either.  The neon-lit bar is surprisingly cute and the walls are painted with kitschy Mexican-themed artwork.  The atmosphere is casual which was perfect for my worn out drop in.  By the time I was done scanning the menu, my fishbowl of margarita was delivered.  A welcoming combination of excitement and relief overcame me.  I order the grilled tilapia taco entree and dove into my drink.  Don’t get me wrong, it is sweet, but it’s strong.  I’m surely convinced they use a mix instead of actual lime juice, but for the price, I’m more than satisfied.

Advertise with us. 

Before the meal my server delivered a complimentary cup of soup.  The soup isn’t their claim to fame, so I’ll forgive them for the liquefied spaghetti they served.  Luckily the chips & salsa are bottomless so those held me over quite nicely.  My meal came out and I was pleasantly surprised.  People may complain that Cesar’s isn’t an “authentic” Mexican restaurant, and I don’t disagree, nonetheless the food is delicious.  The tacos were generously stuffed with tilapia and the sides were hefty portions.
If your appetite is massive, this is the place to go.

Overall, I would recommend Cesar’s for a happy hour joint, a casual date, or a good chat with a friend.  After all, it sure beats riding the El at 5pm!

Roger
Albany Park, Chicago
Contributor, LoveforCity.com

advertise with us adspace@loveforchicago.com

Looking for a bit of a tropical escape in the midst of this disappointing and bipolar Chicago weather? I didn’t think one existed until not just one little bird, but a whole flock of little birds told me that I “must go” to this speak-easy styled bar in the heart of downtown Chicago.

This hidden spot goes by the intriguing name: “Three Dots and a Dash,” and what about this place creates such a big buzz throughout the city? Get this: It’s a tiki bar. Yep, I said it, a tiki bar. When you walk into this underground tropical oasis you automatically feel like you have teleported to the islands of Hawaii. The bamboo lined walls, towering tiki statues, and colorful glowing lanterns allows your mind drift away from the bitter cold reality that is outside and kick back and relax like you’re on vacation!

But trust me, it only gets better! This place has been made infamous because of its extravagant and artful cocktails that leave you gawking like a little kid in a candy store. These cocktails are so cool that it will even make your grandma download Instagram just to take a photo and post it to show off her one-of-a-kind beverage of the heavens.

When I visited, I ordered the “Bunny’s Banana Daiquiri,” which has Jamaican rum, spiced rum, overproof rum, coconut liqueur, banana, lime, and nutmeg. Aka… yes please! Not only was it delicious, but when they brought it out I was delightfully surprised to see a dolphin coming out of my cocktail! This dolphin was masterfully crafted with one banana and it was so cute that I wished that it wasn’t a real banana so I could keep it as some random conversation piece for my apartment. I ended up eating the yummy alcohol infused treat instead, which was so worth it.

So if you’re interested in an island getaway that doesn’t involve an airplane and a bucket-load of cash, I’d definitely give this place a looksie. I think all of us deserve a good night out to spoil ourselves, and we damn well deserve a freaking banana-dolphin in our drink. When does that happen? That’s right, never.

Alyssa
Pilsen, Chicago
Contributor, LoveforChicago.com
Instagram: @lyss_lou

Delicious Sushi.  Yummy Thai.  BYOB.  No Corking fee.

This place is marriage material.

Sushi is addicting, but quality sushi can be pricey.  That’s why when I discovered this amazing Sushi BYOB I basically busted down the door – and I’m glad I did!  The food is fresh, fragrant, and beautifully displayed.  The service is fast and friendly.  Its cozy yet modern environment creates an intimate feel that is perfect for date nights.  Best yet, the food is super affordable.

Even their most basic rolls feel indulgent and range from only $4-8.  And don’t overlook the sushi entrees, because that’s where the real steal is.  For just $15 you can get miso soup and a selection of sushi that will leave you satisfied.  That said, I highly recommend splurging on the signature rolls if you can – especially the Heat Wave.  Not only is the Heat Wave delicious, but the plate comes to the table ON FIRE!  Classy trick, Nano.

Nano has one location in Lakeview and another off the Western Brown Line stop.  This is a small but quickly growing business, so strike while the iron’s hot and stop in today.

Roger
Albany Park, Chicago
Contributor, LoveforChicago.com

Baker & Nosh Image

With the temperatures dropping again this week, nothing sounds quite as alluring as bottomless cups of hot coffee and freshly baked bread; at Baker & Nosh, you’ll find just that. Baker & Nosh is a delightful little coffee shop located in what used to be an antiquated hotel in Uptown. This buzzy little shop specializes in handmade breads and pastries, with croissants that create a line out the door on Sunday mornings. While specialty coffee shops are not a rare commodity in Chicago, this gem is worth checking out.

Cabrio Coffee Table Clear White A by Euro Style – $555.65
from: HomeandLiving.com

When you walk through the doors of Baker & Nosh you’ll see an open bakery kitchen with cooling racks of freshly baked treats to your right and a charming coffee shop to your left. Each table has a small vase of flowers and jazz music is softly playing. The bread loaves stacked behind the cashiers’ station not only add to the artisan theme, but will give you the sudden urge to stock up on potato dill bread. Just when you’ve set your heart on a warm slice of buttered bread and a coffee, you’ll pass the gorgeous display of pastries. Ranging from the classic oatmeal raisin cookie to their decadent Treccia (a braid filled with jam and Nutella), their selection is bound to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Their menu is refreshingly simplistic – focusing on the perfectly executed staples such as sour dough bread or a buttery croissant. While they do have a seasonal lunch menu, this place is best enjoyed as a breakfast spot or an afternoon pick-me-up. That is, until the spring, where the patio opens up and I suspect it will become the next hot spot for a wine and cheese BYOB.

Roger
Albany Park, Chicago
Contributor, LoveforChicago.com

Bean Products – Earth Friendly products for yoga, meditation, home and pets. Made in USA
from: beanproducts.com – A Chicago company

If you’ve been living in Chicago long enough to experience the horrors of it’s blistering cold, you already know how hard it is to even want to step one cozy toe outside and past the threshold of your heated apartment. But, it’s Saturday night! You stayed in the last two weekends and binge watched Netflix, finishing two full seasons of your favorite show until you forgot you had an actual life. You’re feeling that cabin fever pretty intensely, but where to go out? You don’t want to go anywhere where you’ll have to wait outside in this insane 5 degree weather (-25 if you count the windchill!) for too long. That is where we are here
to help.

Here is our list of the top 5 bars to attend to this winter in “Chiberia;”

1. Slippery SlopeThis Logan Square bar is the perfect place to go if you always wanted to know what an edgy bar in Dr. Sues’s “Whoville” would look like. During the winter, this place looks like you’re inside the most epic Christmas ugly sweater imaginable — multicolored Christmas lights stream across the ceiling, accompanied by vibrant red-bulbed overhead lights that you’ll always see there year-round. Their custom cocktails are tasteful with a good kick and won’t leave you regretfully broke by the end of the night. The DJ’s there always have a wide range of music and will always play the perfect throwback songs you and your friends didn’t realize you were dying to hear on the dance-floor. Oh, and did I mention they have a photo booth?

2. The Flat Iron

This bar encapsulates the hipster/punk-rock scene that shines in Wicker Park, but you don’t have to be one to feel welcome! The walls in this place are covered in wonderfully bizarre paintings of creatures, landscapes, and designs that will make you feel like you’re at some rockstar’s after party. Their playlist of varied rock, metal and punk anthems get your blood pumping and if you’re into some competitive fun they have arcade games and billiard tables where no one will judge you if you suck! This bar is perfect if you want a hip and chill place to mingle instead of a night out dancing, and they even have a deal sometimes where if you buy a $5 shot, you get a free PBR!

3. Emporium Arcade BarIt’s what happens when an Arcade and a Bar have a love-child. You can play your game while drinking too, and what better combination is that? This place has every arcade game you can think of, even the infamous classics. Their beer selection is on point and easy on your wallet, and there is never a dull moment. Who knew playing Pinball was so much fun on a nice beer buzz? Coming here is a nostalgic treasure and will bring you back to the good ol’ days but with an adult twist. They do a ton of live music events and tournaments that are always exciting, and even movie nights sometimes on the big screen!

4. Harbee Liquor & TavernIf you want a little Latin flare to your night out, Harbee’s is your go to! This place has got the best Latin dance music to shake it to and the widest selection of craft beers. Walking in you will immediately feel the energetic atmosphere and a cozier setting with a smaller dance-floor that the DJ keeps hyped up. The whole place is bordered with an array of vibrant paintings from local artists. Whether you’re there to dance or there to chill out at the bar, or even sit down and eat their yummy dishes, you will always have a good time. Founded in the prohibition era, its aura is historic and one of a kind and is hands-down the hottest bar in the Pilsen area!

Now unwrap yourself from your blanket cocoon and pull yourself out of that couch! We can all still have fun this winter, and even though it feels like we are in the midst of an arctic tundra, we still got to have fun, don’t we?

Alyssa
Pilsen, Chicago
Contributor, LoveforChicago.com
Instagram: @lyss_lou

If passing through the perfume section of Macy’s without spritzing yourself with a few free samples seems unthinkable, if your bathroom sink is cluttered with old perfume bottles (because that Britney Spears perfume may smell like liquified cotton candy, but you’ll be damned if you toss anything you spent your hard-earned allowance money on), and if you can’t walk into Bath & Body Works without impulse buying seasonally scented lotions – then congratulations, you’re a fragrance junkie.  Welcome to the club!

Luckily for us fragrance lovers in Chicago, there’s a place called the Aroma Workshop to call home.  The Aroma Workshop is the perfect blend between chemistry and artistry where you can create your own custom perfume that is unique to you!  The walls are lined with fragrance oils from four different categories: citrus, floral, fruity, and mysterious.   The lovely employees at the store will ask you to smell about thirty different oils and then pick out ten that you love. From there, you begin to mix and match until you find the combination that is perfectly you! Once you name your signature scent they’ll even keep it on file so you can stock up on more or even add your perfume to their unscented lotions, body washes, etc.  This experience is not only adorably fun, but a very personal expression of who you are.

Audrey Harrington, just one of their passionate & knowledgable employees, beautifully explains the sentiment of the Aroma Workshop as “the most interesting way of making someone feel special”, and it’s easy to see why.  Not very many fun activities are quite as intimate as this one.  “The certain smells a person likes can really reflect their personality.  For example, a very energetic and upbeat person will probably like fresh, fruity scents.” She continues, “Your perfume speaks to you.  Every note is of something you love.  Everyone is so different.”

The Aroma Workshop is a sweet, lighthearted way to spend the afternoon and the product isn’t something you can get anywhere else.  They also offer house blends and aromatherapy, and offer “scent events” where you & your friends can have the whole store to yourselves.  So indulge your sense of smell and, for the love of perfume, check out the Aroma Workshop!

Roger

For those of you aren’t familiar with the blonde, blue eyed, and dirty mouthed reigning comedy queen of 2015, you may wonder, “who the hell is Amy Schumer?” Amy Schumer is a stand-up comedian. She stars in, produces, and writes her own sketch-comedy show called “Inside Amy Schumer” where she plays herself. In the show she is the only actor featured in each episode and segment, with guest star appearances here and there. The show has had great success and Amy has only been growing from there.

She is currently on a comedy tour called “The Back Door Tour” and amongst the list of cities, of course, was Chicago at none other than the legendary and majestic Chicago Theatre.

There were two shows of the comedian on Friday the 13th (spooky!) at 7:30pm, and at 10:30pm. My friends and I got tickets to the 10:30pm showing because “we couldn’t get our shit together soon enough to buy the tickets to the earlier showing” — that is something along the lines of what Amy told us all at the beginning of her show, but she insisted that the late shows were the best shows because basically everyone has just come to the show from the bar and are most likely drunk and all-in-all a funner crowd.

Amy immediately showed the audience what made her special amongst the others when she strutted onto stage to some blasting bad-ass rap music and carrying a large bottle of either wine or champagne that throughout the show she sipped on straight out of the bottle. Half-way through the show she also took her heels off because “fuck that.”

Now that’s my kinda woman!

Amy’s unashamed, charming, and self-deprecating styled stand-up jumped from topics of how she thinks she is a closet alcoholic, how the industry treats her as a woman in California compared to New York, to her embarrassing experience being court-side at a Lakers game next to the obnoxiously beautiful Kate Upton. She also shared some jokes she was working on in anticipation of hosting the MTV Movie Awards, and closed the show telling us the absolute nastiest sex acts she’s ever been told. She then encouraged the audience to shout out the worst ones they’ve ever heard, leaving everyone sore-cheeked with hysterically horrifying mental pictures in their heads.

I was left wanting more, and sad that the hour-long show was already over, but, you know what they say, time flies when you’re having fun!

And if you haven’t been to the Chicago theatre, you should definitely experience it if you are fan of Chicago and its big historical landmarks. Find a show to go to there, because with the breath-taking murals on the stage and ceiling and crystal chandeliers, when your inside you feel like you went back in time and you’re some high class big shot from the early 20th century. Mix that with Amy Schumer, and without a doubt you’ll have a one of a kind experience.

Alyssa
Contributor, LoveforCity.c