Skokie Restaurants

Skokie restaurant reviews

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Charcoal Oven
Apr 14, 2008 by Markmywords from Skokie, IL
Overall Rating: 9
Food:[9] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Classic lounge-like atmosphere, quiet, cozy, booths plus tables, friendly people.
• Needs some physical upgrades, inside & out (short on "stylishness").

“It's happy hour, but the joint is definitely not jumpin'. In fact, I've gone for years thinking this place was mobbed up, a front for a big card game or some other quiet but profitable entity-- because there seldom seem to be any cars in the lot, but the lights are always on. But I'm sitting here now for the first time, and I'm not so sure anymore. It's too dive-y, authentic and old-fashioned to be anything more than a break-even endeavor, money-wise. It's not a cultivated, polished "lounge" sort of atmosphere created according to some designer/marketer's carefully crafted vision. It's just dusty and intriguing and genuine. It's where an Army Wine house type would be performing on a tiny corner stage in 1957 -- except now it's 2008, the only folks who come here to eat are regular joes, and there probably aren't any performers who would want the gig if they even had a stage (which they don't). There's a big old National cash register directly in front of me. It does not work, but the owner's 50-ish daughter/bartender says it only recently went down. So that's the oldest thing in the building, which she says was built in 1927 or '29. I think about those dates momentarily, and it hits me: Prohibition. The daughter confirms it: this was a speak easy, back when Skokie was a thinly-settled town on the outskirts of Chicago. This joint is like a living museum, a roadhouse not so far from the city, but far enough to be off the radar of both the cops and the cultured elite. She says her father bought it in 1949. That's almost 60 years ago. Holy crap. Could I do anything for 60 years straight? I think not. At the far end of the bar, a new (5 days old) LCD widescreen TV is the newest thing in the building and proof that they're not dead yet. The old tube TV is still at the opposite end, as is the old waitress Sonya, who has only one family out in the dining room eating. She says she's been here for 17 years. Curious, I try the liquor Campari for the first time, having seen it behind the bar near the other liquors. What a weird taste! 29 percent alcohol, and we have no idea what it's made of (the label is of no help, and a look later at wiki tells me the recipe is a big secret, though it is a type of "bitters" with rhubarb, quinine, ginseng, and a lot of spices). It's bitter, kind of smoky and dark pink. I drink it with soda, as a few regulars start coming into the bar. One of them is a teacher at a grade school in Highland Park, and we talk about those North Shore families and their sense of entitlement. (My wife recently took a new job, starting in the fall, moving from one of these North Shore towns to a more suburban/rural northern high school.) When this teacher asks about the owner's health, his daughter says he's not well. taking steroids for some illness. Now my wife calls, asking where I am. In theory, I only stepped out to get some toner for our computer printer. But it's been an hour. So I gotta roll. Charcoal Oven. I think I'll be back. Good 1950s atmosphere, good food (according to my new friend the teacher), and a casual be-yourself attitude. And if I'm lucky, maybe on Saturdays at 11pm there's a poker game in the back room.”

Grecian Kitchen Delight
Feb 13, 2008 by John from Houston, TX
Overall Rating: 10
Food:[10] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[10]

• Huge portions.
• Huge portions.

“GKD has outstanding food and fast service; but don't let the "fast food" fool you. This is by the far the BEST Greek food I have ever had- regardless of what part of the country I'm in. I highly recommend it to everyone that visits and/or lives in Chicago. This is one of my first stops when visiting a city that is highly reputable as far as the culinary arts is concerned. In addition to the great, great food the staff is friendly, personable and always greets you with a smile. See you in the summer.”

Bagel Restaurant & Deli
Feb 1, 2008 by Steven from Chicago
Overall Rating: 10
Food:[9] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[8]

• One of the best delicatessens you will find anywhere.
• Nothing.

“About as close as we can get to an old-style NY Deli in the Northern suburbs, in all the good ways. This is from experience living in NY for many years. The deli food is really excellent almost without exception. The sandwiches are great, some of the best corned beef, brisket and pastrami you will find. Portions range from ample to enormous. Only order the "mish mosh" soup if you have a very large appetite, good as it is. It's a great place to take kids or friends. It can get a little noisy when it's crowded. The serving staff is top notch. Our waiter remembers our names and even what our sons like to drink.”

Pita Inn
Dec 5, 2007 by Bruce from Wilmette, IL
Overall Rating: 8
Food:[8] • Service:[7] • Atmosphere:[6]

• Very fresh food, tasty not fancy, excellent value!
• Very limited dessert selection, limited beverage choices.

“A good selection of Middle Eastern favorites: felafel, shwarma (gyros), kibbeh, babaganoush, Jerusalem salad, hummus, grilled chicken, etc. All freshly prepared, by a crew of hard-working grill men. A terrific alternative to American fast food joints, Pita Inn offers good food fast. No wait staff: place your order at the counter and pick up your own food when your number is called 5-10 minutes later. Food is served in plastic baskets which you carry to a table yourself, but it is delicious, healthy and varied. The namesake pita bread is top-notch along with excellent appetizers for dipping. Lots of families with kids eat here; the value is great. Two people can fill up on appetizers and main dishes for $12-$15. Also an excellent choice for take-out dining. Good vegetarian options too. Not much in the way of decor, although the recent remodeling spiffed it up a bit. Pita Inn is one of our family's local favorites; instead of a boring McBurger and fries (again!), go Middle Eastern instead!”

Jacks Restaurant
May 18, 2007 by spiro from skokie
Overall Rating: 2
Food:[3] • Service:[1] • Atmosphere:[1]

• Nothing.
• Everything.

“I will quickly sum it up for you. There were roaches everywhere.”