Chicago - January 18, 2008

Raising the Bar

Risque Cafe Opens

Much as you love sticky floors, greasy wings, and swollen bouncers, you need a break from your neighborhood bar.

So head over to Chris Peckat’s (Meritage) new bar/smokehouse, Risque Cafe, where the floors are shiny, the food is hearty, and the maitre d’ won’t threaten to kick your ass.

Peckat smokes his meat in Buffalo Trace bourbon barrels, giving it a buttery, melt-in-your-mouth quality. Also on the menu: duck wings, baby back ribs, sliders (pulled pork, brisket, and chicken), and a host of home-style sides. Wash it all down with more than 200 domestic beers and 45 bourbons. (Not all at once, please.)

On the walls: ’50s pinups and flirty B movies from Peckat’s collection looping on flat-screens.

Keep your eyes peeled next month for another Peckat concept, Purgatory Pizza, opening next door.

He’s the best. Bar none.

Risque Cafe, 3419 North Clark Street, at Roscoe Street (773-525-7711 or risquechicago.com).