Tavern on Rush (1031 N. Rush St.; www.TavernOnRush.com ) has received rave reviews from fellow columnists and friends alike—which is why I was especially disappointed by what I encountered recently.
With this being a media visit, I had a heightened expectation. (After all, if the restaurant can't get it together for someone it's expecting, then how will it treat the casual couple walking by?) That being said, things started badly when Tavern didn't even have my name down for a reservation and I had to prove who I am. Not fun…
Once that was finally settled, my dining partner and I decided to order a variety of items. The service was very up-and-down, with the server buzzing around one minute and disappearing for a while afterwards. (Keep in mind that there were more servers than diners this weekday afternoon.) However, when he was around, he was very nice and informative.
On to the food. This aspect of the restaurant deserves some praise (courtesy of Executive Chef John Gatsos), although things didn't start off swimmingly. My friend had the tuna avocado tartare—and a look of dread cross his face after he tasted it. I tried it as well, and there was an unavoidably "too-fishy" taste. However, things progressed from there.
The pork potstickers were solid (although the server neglected to tell us what the accompanying sauces were). For our main dishes, my friend had the fried egg club while I got the Tavern Kobe club. We both really liked our sandwiches—and that horseradish mayo really made the Kobe club. (Fortunately, Tavern offers a wide variety of dishes, even for lunch, including lobster tail, jambalaya, sliders and salads.)
I don't doubt my friends who've enjoyed Tavern—and I may even return. However, for now, I have very mixed feelings about this popular Gold Coast eatery.
On the contrary, I had no such problems at The Pony (1638 W. Belmont Ave.; www.theponychicago.com ), a good-time sports bar. From the moment my dining companion and I walked in, we felt right at home in this restaurant that's filled with warm woods and even warmer smiles.
The Pony is just far enough away from Wrigley Field that it doesn't get the overflow of Cubs fans before or after home games—and that's a shame. However, one reason some people might want to check out the place would be the many screens (including one at each table) that show different games.
Another reason, undoubtedly, is the food. Brian Jupiter (who also presides over the carnivore-focused Frontier restaurant) has concocted more winners at this spot. Even the chicken tenders were highlights, and they come with a variety of sauces, including blue cheese and honey mustard. The pork-belly tacos—which come with cilantro cream, pickled red onion, tomato and queso fresco in a corn tortilla—were spot-on. However, the filet mignon sliders were the absolute high point. If there's one item you should order here, it's these mini-sandwiches, which are topped with caramelized onions and Maytag blue cheese—and then placed on mini-croissants.
The Pony also offers pizzas and wraps. The Pony Pizza, which we tried, is a delicious mélange of pepperoni, Italian sausage, Canadian bacon, mushrooms, oregano, green peppers, mozzarella cheese and homemade marinara sauce.
Unfortunately, The Pony doesn't offer desserts (although there's a spot that sells gelatos and other sweets just a few steps away). However, after everything my friend and I had, we were too stuffed to go there anyway.
By the way, we discovered one other reason to visit The Pony: Jessica. If there is a more engaging server around, I haven't encountered him or her. Not only did she have an electric smile, but she was infinitely helpful and informative. If you're fortunate enough to have her as your server, tell her Windy City Times sent you.
(By the way, this place also offers a 16-inch grilled cheese sandwich—so you might want to bring some friends with you.)
