Restaurant Review: The Grid

This winter has been horrendous. Whether you live in Chicago like me or even down in Florida, the temperatures have never been this low. In my 27 years on this earth, I have never in my life experienced a more awful winter.

Growing up, I was always told when life hands you lemons, you’ve got to make lemon meringue pie (I don’t like lemonade) and therefore I’ve found a silver lining in all of this pain-staking cold. Enter, The Grid.

This River North gem is located at 351 W Hubbard and is just 3 blocks away from my apartment. Throughout this terrible winter in “Chiberia”, I’ve found myself feeling a little stir-crazy sitting at home every night. Then, I remember that just down the street, one of Chicago’s coolest restaurant and lounges is a place I can totally retreat to.

The food there has not dissapointed. If you get the chance to go over there (and you most certainly should), you need to check out these 3 dishes:

1) Smoking angus Beef Tartare ($14): This normally traditional dish with egg yolk and capers is kicked up two notches. It has an interesting twist with the inclusion of delicious pickles and is served smoking (yes literally smoking) in a mason jar. I’m not totally sure how they do it, but every time I order it, I am completely blown away.

2) Anyone of their Pizzas ($14): With all the deep dish competition in Chicago, it’s refreshing to have a good quality brick-oven pizza. These babies are cooked in the restaurants own brick oven to order. My favorite is the simple tomato basil, but you can’t go wrong with the pancetta, brussel sprouts and pecorino pizza either.

3) Donuts: Everyone in Chicago raves about the donuts at Donut Vault. Well, while they are all waiting in line outside in the cold (for what I consider to be a mediocre donut), I’m sitting inside by the fire at The Grid eating one of the best donuts in town! You can’t miss this dessert. I can’t tell you how many cold nights I’ve faced the -10 degree weather just to pick up a couple of these warm donuts. If you remember anything from this review, it’s GET THE DONUTS AT THE GRID.

Not only is the food really great, but the nightlife atmosphere is fun too. Although not jam packed, this night scene is the perfect place to go with a small group of a friends or a date to listen to great music (but actually be able to hear each other). Just two weekends ago I headed over there with a friend from work and we had an amazing time. The drinks are impeccable and the ambience is perfect. I liked the “Magnificent Mile” with st. germain, prosecco and hibiscus.

Over the last couple months of this grueling winter, I’ve been frequenting The Grid a lot and I have to say, I’ll probably even continue when the weather gets warm.

Love always,
Erica