Chicago - April 25, 2007

Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta

Room21 Opens

You’ve always envied the gangster lifestyle. Top-notch treatment at the hottest spots. Free loot. Close ties with the po-po.

It almost makes the heinous crimes worth it. (Almost.)

At Room21, opening tomorrow in the South Loop, you can live like the Don without the fear of being whacked.

Created by the Boss himself (Jerry Kleiner), the place is sure to be mobbed, serving up American bistro fare in a parlor-bordello atmosphere (and former Capone brewery). In mobster speak, the place is f***ing yuuuge, seating 300 (including 120 in an outdoor European garden surrounded by 40-foot evergreen trees).

An art installation of Chicago street sweeper bristles from the ’30s and ’40s divides the bar and dining room. Executive chef Aaron Whitcomb fires up home-style dishes like creamy parmesan corn, chicken ravioli soup, and rack of lamb with herbed Dijon crust.

Sure, the perks are nice. But are you ready to skip town and join the Family?

Fuhgeddaboutit.

Room21, 2110 South Wabash Avenue, at 21st Street (312-328-1198).