Chicago - May 09, 2006

Small Wonder

Minnies Opens

You’ve worked so hard to master the concept of not sweating the small stuff. Split ends, aggressive drivers, clutter on the kitchen counter —nothing gets you going these days.

But hold tight: It seems that small stuff is all you’ll find at Minnies, a new fast-casual eatery opening Thursday in Lincoln Park.

Miniature cheeseburgers, Reubens, and other familiar sammies in groups of three, six, or twelve top the menu. Desserts go petite with doll-size double chocolate mint cookies and teeny-weeny butterscotch milkshakes. Can’t handle all the itsy-bitsy cuteness? Grab a cocktail from the full (mini)bar, stocked with tiny bottles of liquor, beer, and soda served in (what else?) miniature martini and pilsner glasses.

The room is 1940s diner meets Parisian brasserie — a retro fantasia of black and white tile, red banquettes, polka-dot wallpaper, and antique mirrors. On-the-goers can swing by the take-out window for a box of wee treats while the stroller set can check their baby wheels at the valet and head inside to eat.

Owner Jonathan Segal (P.J. Clarke’s, Japonais, Le Colonial) looks to open two more Chicago locations next year with an eye toward national expansion.

Little by little, of course.

Minnies, 1969 North Halsted Street, between Armitage Avenue and Wisconsin Street (312-943-9900 or minnies.com).

  Late Night, Takeout