Feast while dining among the beasts.
Located in the heart of the Lincoln Park Zoo, Bird's Eye Bar & Grill (www.lpzoo.org/venue/birds-eye-bar-grill/; right above the venue's gift shop) provides a respite from walking around and seeing the nearly 200 species of animals at the site.
Bird's Eye—which probably takes its name from the physical perspective the spot provides, although it could be a nod to the (non-pesky) sparrows that fly throughout—has a retractable roof (VERY welcome during the hot day my friend and I visited) as well as games such as foosball, giant Connect Four and cornhole.
And then there is the food. Although it's casual, the offerings are not your standard "cafeteria food." The turkey burger and crispy fries I had were really good, and my friend (who's gone to a few "finer" establishments with me) said her chicken Caesar salad was absolutely delicious.
However, there are all other sorts of goodies there, ranging from Impossible burgers to cheese fries to Nashville chicken sandwiches to tall fruit cups (the latter being another welcome item on a steamy day). And, for the adults, there are beer and wine.
By the way (and speaking of wine), Bird's Eye will be the VIP site for the Summer Wine Fest that will take place Friday, July 29, 6-9 p.m. Tickets are $55-$85 each; visit www.lpzoo.org/event/summer-wine-fest/ .
Note: This visit was arranged.
—Sweet Mandy B's turns 20: Sweet Mandy B's—the old-fashioned bakeshop with locations in Lincoln Park and Streeterville—will celebrate 20 years of business this August.
To commemorate the milestone, the bakery will host a monthlong line-up of specials Aug. 1-28, including a back-to-school fundraiser to benefit Chicago Public Schools (CPS).
Guests will enjoy rotating weekly specials featuring signature items, a chance to win free cupcakes for a year, free menu items for the first 20 customers Mondays through Thursdays at the Lincoln Park location, back-to-school-themed cookies, anniversary gift boxes (with a portion of proceeds benefiting CPS), giveaways for Sweet Mandy B's merchandise and more.
See more at sweetmandybs.com .
