It's safe to say that weekend brunches at The Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club ( 3700 N. Halsted St.; KitKatChicago.com ), are not the same as almost any other spot in the city.
For almost two decades, the Boystown spot has a very lively brunch, complete with a stable of seasoned drag performers who know how to command a crowd's attention—and my recent visit was no exception. Performer Madam X thrilled the crowd by dressing as Miley Cyrus, Cher, Lady Gaga and others, and singing ( not lip-synching ) their songs—and, at one point, deftly taking all the money several women had, including the dollar bills sitting on the table. ( Interestingly, Madam X told Windy City Times after her performance that she doesn't want to be famous, for fear of losing her connections with the audience. )
If you're looking for a drink, this is DEFINITELY the place—as Kit Kat boast s more than 200 different cocktails, including an enviable list of martinis, such as the Peggy Lee ( vodka, orange, banana liqueur and cranberry ), Hopscotch ( vodka, butterscotch schnapps and cream ) and Sangria ( red wine and brandy ) martinis.
As for the food at the "Divalicious Brunch"—well, what can I say? It was pretty much hit-and-miss. The beignets were solid and my friend really enjoyed her Rice Krispie French toast—but the steak in my skillet dish was tougher than a calculus assignment, and I basically ate around it. Service was also noticeably slow ( and with a two-hour limit at each table, patrons might be at the mercy of the servers ), although the telegenic server was very nice. ( Other offerings range from coconut shrimp salad to Avocado Two Ways to, of course, the Kit Kat Burger.
So I would recommend Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club—as far as the entertainment and drinks go. As for the cuisine, overall, it's not quite diva-worthy.
Lark—under new management
Meanwhile, there's a different kind of fun at nearby restaurant Lark ( 3441 N. Halsted St.; larkchicago.com/ ), which, intriguingly, has been under new management since February ( supplanting LKH )—Kit Kat co-owners Edward Gisiger and Ramesh Ariyanayakam, and Managing Partner Ralph Fasano.
Disco music greets you upon entering, daring you not to at least tap your feet even while waiting for a seat. However, there are also all sorts of games, including Jenga. ( The people at the table next to us in the impressive patio area played Mystery Date. ) Even if the large-screen television outside switches to sports, tunes by Donna Summer, Chaka Khan and others continue playing—providing a surreal, yet sill enjoyable, feel.
As for the food, it's interesting that Kit Kat's management is involved at Lark as well, because the food was definitely tastier ( not exotic, but well done ) than at the other spot.
My friend absolutely loved the BELT ( bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato sandwich ), while the turkey club put a smile on my face ( in part, thanks to some supremely wonderful … tater tots ). The avocado toast was quite delicious as well—but the crowning glory was the Margherita pizza, complete with a wood-fired Neapolitan crust. However, if that's not your thing, several burgers are available, including the Lark Smash ( a tantalizing item with two quarter-pound beef patties, applewood smoked bacon, ham, white cheddar, crispy onion rings, lettuce, tomato, and onions on a buttery brioche bun ). And if you have the willpower/stomach room to try a S'mores pizza for dessert, then more power to you.
