Chicago - August 05, 2005

Parlor Games

Parlor Opens

Sure, having friends over is fun.

But does it ever seem like you’re always the one doing the inviting, rather than being invited?

Ditch your hostess duties for a moment and head to Parlor, opening this weekend in Bucktown. The cozy neighborhood restaurant takes its name from the turn-of-the-century room used for entertaining before the kitchen/dining room/great room combo became all the rage.

Sink into one of the plush corduroy booths or belly up to the impressive circular wood bar. Chefs Tim Small and Kevin McGuinnis (whose combined resume includes Naha, Monsoon, Avenues, and Room 22) have created a menu that reads like a guide to Chicago dining at its best: classic Americana (read: burgers, steak, seafood, mac ’n’ cheese) with unexpected upscale touches (homemade bacon and southern-fried chicken brined in sweet tea).

So you get top-quality food served in a down-home environment without ever having to lift a finger.

Except, of course, to raise fork to mouth.

Parlor, 1745 West North Avenue, between Wood Street and Hermitage Avenue (773-782-9000).