Tag Archives: wells street

Sara Jane’s No Plain Jane

Goodbye to Plain Jane. Sayonara, Farewell, Au revoir! Now say hello to Sara Jane.

It was the fall of 2002 when Sara Jane opened a store bearing her own name in hopes of providing a true boutique experience amongst the slew of chains just blocks nearby on the Magnificent Mile. Nestled in perhaps Chicago’s most charming neighborhood, Old Town, Sara Jane has made her humble splash on the scene. Although a regular in Lucky Magazine and Chicago Magazine, ask your average Chicagoan and they probably have never heard of the place.

But local fashionistas and Old Towners know to turn to Sara Jane for unique finds on adorable dresses, cocktail wear, jeans and accessories. The quick turnover allows for more variety and the small space often times conjures up new friendships and gab sessions (lucky thing there are plenty of pubs and bistros nearby!) A visit when “Sara Jane” herself (a.k.a. Sara Plocker) is there will only prove this neighborhood-gal-pal feel all the more.

Suite Lounge is Simply Sweet

Leave a reply

Orange FluteEntering Chicago’s Suite Lounge is like stepping into a cave with an atmosphere that could leave you thinking you were anywhere from Barcelona to Berlin. Stones line the wall with shadowy uplighting to create a chic and sexy atmosphere. And if you think the atmosphere is sexy, just wait until you see the martinis — like the Carrot Cake which has Kahlua, Jaegermeister, Bailey’s, butterscotch and a frosting rim -mmmm!

From the Banana Split to the PB & Chocolate, the martinis at Suite Lounge are simply sweet! And they don’t stop there, plenty of bubbly, house specialties, scotch and beer round off the menu.

The people here? They’re as beautiful as the cocktails, so don’t skim on your pre-primping routine before coming here or you’ll stick out in a bad way. The music will get the gorgeous crowd moving from time to time, but due to pressure of looking good, expect more bar mingling than dancing here. Besides, there are just way too many amazing martinis to try to leave time for much else: Bottoms up!

Seasonal Affective Disorder? Laugh it Off at Zanies

If you think the Second City is the only place to have a good laugh in Old Town, think again. Just a block down from the famous Second City is Zanies Comedy Club where you can find the best stand-up the city has to offer. Comedians from places like Comedy Central, HBO (regular appearances by Jeff Green and Suzie Essman), late night shows and Picture 5of course, hot, new local talent perform on Zanie’s famously small stage. Recently, Zanies partnered with TBS for “A Very Funny Festival,” hosting shows with stars from TBS.

The intimate surroundings of Zanies make for heartier laughs. Here you are likely to get called upon by the comedians and after the two drinks you’re required to consume, you probably won’t care. To be fair, avoiding the two-drink purchase may be done with canned goods donations.

With a calendar full of shows, finding fun themes is oh-so-simple like “Ladies Night,” “Rising Star Challenge,” and “Best of Chicago.”

Insider Tip: Buy tickets to big shows in advance (online) as the big names do sell out and long lines form at the club, even on weeknights.

La Belle Vie at Bistrot Margot

6 Replies

Strolling down Wells Street in Chicago’s Old Town, you’ll pass dozens of charming restaurants emitting delicious smells, but only one will stick out as appearing classic French: C’est Bistrot Margot! Its charming outdoor seating is filled with happy diners being served by attentive black aproned waiters below a classic red and black striped awning.

Inside this family-run restaurant, even more charming decor awaits. So French, so cozy, so magnifique! Any day of the week the slew of regular diners and newcomers alike take advantage of the items du jour from the rotating menu. Of course, a good ol’ Steak Frites is a top pick and rightfully so, but the options of fish, duck and chicken are equally as perfect.

Forget not when at Bistrot Margot that it is a French restaurant and therefore, you’ll want to eat by courses. So don’t overdo it on the first appetizer of tarte au brie, moules or risotto du jour (a must!), because you need to eat every last course, including the cheese! That said: ordering wine is also a must, it helps cut through the rich and decadent food. Bon appetit!