Flight Club Chicago ( 111 W. Wacker Dr.; US.FlightClubDarts.com )—with its mix of food, drinks and darts—aims, pun intended, to provide something different.
On all counts, it succeeds.
To be honest, I was a little suspicious of the culinary offerings Flight Club might have. However, my fears were quickly allayed thanks to starters like the absolutely addictive mini poke tacos, fisherman's fries ( with shrimp butter, ocean spice, parmesan and smoky tomato dipping sauce ) and al pastor skewers ( marinated pork with pineapple, crispy tortilla, jalapeno and scallions ). The only letdown involved the mini crab balls, which seemed to be devoid of the crustacean.
However, things immediately returned to their lofty heights, thanks to the FC Prime Double Burger—which comes with "creamy sexy mushroom cheese" ( Flight Club's words ) and red onion marmalade. I don't know if I felt sexy after consuming the sandwich—but I was more than satisfied.
As for the dart-throwing areas ( called oches, with "oche" rhyming with "hockey" ), there are three downstairs and 11 upstairs. Reservations ( for groups of six or more ) cost $15-$40, depending on the day and amount of time—but split among at least six people, it's a lot of fun at little cost. Also, while competing in various games ( including the practically diabolical Killer ), finger foods are available because … trying to eat a salad at this time might be a risky move.
On a side note, in case you're wondering ( like I did ), "Alcohol and darts—what could go wrong?," the manager said there have been no injuries suffered at Flight Club. But if you're there just to eat or to play a competitive game of darts, you will undoubtedly enjoy yourself.
( By the way, check out Flight Club on Halloween, 8-11 p.m., when "Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, & Madness at Flight Club" takes place. Tickets are $49 each. )
Uncle Julio's
The name Uncle Julio's Mexican From Scratch ( 855 W. North Ave.; UncleJulios.com ) is meant to underscore how authentic the Mexican food is—although I'm not sure how many of the still-popular chocolate pinatas ( and some of the other tasty selections ) are actually in Mexico.
However, there is much fun to be had at this place—especially on Tuesdays.
Why Tuesdays? Because that's the only day the taco bar is available. Although I was expecting a buffet-style set-up, this is not the case: Like everything else there, the experience is brought to you. A wheel of your preferred protein and multiple toppings is presented, along with hard shells and warm, soft tortillas—it's impossible to resist, not that I really tried.
There are also the other standbys in this large, family-friendly space, including delectable guacamole prepared tableside and customized to your liking. Everything we tried was absolutely delicious—including the pineapple margarita I had.
However, it's hard to go wrong with whatever you order, whether it's chef-prepared tacos, quesadillas, tamales, bacon-wrapped camarones or even salmon. And don't forget that pinata, which is loaded with items such as fruit and warm churros. ( The chocolate lover's pinata is also available, and is served with housemade whipped cream and a variety of chocolate. )
Note: Restaurant profiles/events are based on invitations arranged from restaurants and/or firms.
