West Town Tavern

Ratings Guide:
Half handshake, half chest-bump hug – 5 stars
Chest bump – 4 stars
Fist bump – 3 stars
High five – 2 stars
Handshake – 1 star
Fone and fone – 0 stars
Manly-ass slap – ½ star


Restaurant: West Town Tavern
Location: 1329 W. Chicago Ave.

West Town Tavern is located in West Town. That may sound confusing, but it’s not. The restaurant is a little over a year old (I think I’m making that up. It’s more like 3 years old.), but the feel inside is of a cozy, established, local joint. You’ll feel like the place has been around since the 40’s, with its tin ceiling, exposed brick walls, and hard wood floors.

The atmosphere is perfect. Tables are packed in to fit as many people into the space as possible, and at times you may be able to talk to those at your table, then wheel around and join another conversation at the table next to you. But, that is what gives this place its neighborhood feel. Even if you don’t know anyone in the place, you somehow feel like you are all friends, hanging out together on a Saturday night like you always do. The place is perfect for a nice dinner party of 4 or 6, where you can sit, eat, drink, and talk for as long as you’d like.

But that isn’t the best part of the place. The food is exceptional. If you are visiting for your first time, give some consideration to the pot roast. Sounds simple, but served along with garlic-mashed potatoes, it just might be the best thing on the menu. Nothing will disappoint, and even the steak is pretty tasty. Make sure you listen to the specials, as there is always something worth trying. Someone at the table ordered the skate, which is the wing of a devil ray. I think. Either way it’s a fish, and it was the best main dish of the night. Cooked perfectly, the meat was easily parted with the fork, and the spices and sauce created a simple, but tongue-satisfying flavor that made you want to dig in for your next bite before you were done swallowing your first.

The appetizer list is extensive. Stay away from the calamari. It has a zesty spice, but I found it overcooked. For a real treat, order the spring rolls, which combined with the peanut dipping sauce, melt in your mouth and will have you craving more.

And when you’re done with your meal, go with the S’Mores or the Chocolate Devils Food Cake. Both are simple, but pack plenty for your sweet tooth to enjoy.

Overall this place is great. It comes highly recommended. They have a great wine menu that will compliment the meal, and the portion sizes will satisfy without making you look, or feel, like David Wells. And the prices are affordable, unless you are a junior copywriter at Zipatoni. Then you might need to borrow a couple of extra bucks from the account folks.

I give it a solid chest-bump.