It’s a familiar Saturday-night scenario: You’re running late for your dinner reservation, and when you get to the restaurant you suddenly remember—doh—it’s BYOB. A quick glance down the street to the left, then to the right, and there’s not a liquor store in sight. Don’t give up. If you’re lucky, there’s a bar nearby that’s licensed and willing to sell a bottle of wine or six-pack of beer to go. Check out these four spots that can make a save when it looks like your night’s about to go dry.
The eats: With live plants in the front window and ceiling fans lazily turning to the beat of Cuban grooves, West Town’s Habana Libre is the perfect place to unwind with some flavorful Cuban fare. The ropa vieja ($11.95) packs a hearty, stick-to-your-ribs punch—and it’s even better with a few cervezas.
The save: Just around the corner, local watering hole Chipp Inn, will gladly sell you a six-pack. Six cans of Hamms, Schlitz or Tecate go for a wallet-friendly $6, or you can splurge on a six-pack of imported bottles, including Newcastle, Stella or Corona, for $10.
The eats: The veggie-friendly menu at Bite Cafe in Ukrainian Village beckons to vegetarians and their meat-eating friends alike. Nothing satisfies quite like a Bite Burrito ($7) stuffed with spinach, corn, poblanos, red peppers, zucchini, Monterey Jack, red beans and rice. Add chicken, chorizo or tofu for $2.
The save: Neighboring Empty Bottle conveniently sells six-packs of beer and bottles of wine to Bite diners. From Old Style to Stella to Red Stripe, many of the Bottle’s beer offerings ($13.50-$22.50 for a six-pack) are available for carryout. Prefer wine? Try a bottle of Villa del Borgo cabernet sauvignon or pinot grigio ($15 each).
The eats: Carnivores won’t leave El Llano unsatisfied. The North Center restaurant serves up Colombian cuisine in a bright, folksy, space that’s always bustling on the weekends. That char-broiled beef brisket ($10.95) with rice, potato, cassava and salad would go down well with a full-bodied red.
The save: Head next door to Brownstone Tavern & Grill, which can sell you a bottle of wine to go. Try a big red like the South Australian Paringa cabernet sauvignon ($26) to stand up to El Llano’s meat dishes.
The eats: A neighborhood crowd quickly fills the tiny space at Lakeview’s Ta Tong, even on week nights. Indecisive diners may have trouble choosing from the extensive menu of Thai curries, noodle and rice dishes. And wait—there’s a whole list of Japanese options too, including maki and nigiri, and some teriyaki entrees. At least you don’t have to select a wine—you’ve got to dash down the street for that.
The save: Witt’s will sell wine to go, but their liquor license requires you to uncork your bottle at Witt’s, drink a glass at the bar, and then cork and seal the wine to-go in a little doggie bag. If you’re waiting for a table at Ta Tong, it’s the perfect way to kill some time. Mezzacorona wines (cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot grigio or chardonnay) sell for $27 each.
[ Emily Hiser Lobdell is a Metromix special contributor. ]
metromix@tribune.com