Chicken and Waffles with Class

When my mom told me that we were going to a restaurant that served Chicken and Waffles, I didn't quite know what to expect. Table Fifty-Two couldn't have been further from my projections. The best way to describe the decor of Table Fifty-Two would be warm elegance. With its copper ceiling and yellow walls you can't help but think you've just entered some place wonderful. Then comes the menu.

Southern comfort food has never been so glamorous. Oprah's very own personal chef, Art Smith, is the mastermind behind this relatively new Near North establishment, and let's be honest, who can argue with Oprah? The food is SUBLIME. It has all the standard soul food splendors from the aforementioned chicken and waffles to grits to collard greens. Get this: it even has chocolate cinnamon rolls!! To the average foodie, these menu items may appear primitive, but that is far from the case. The food is presented in such a way that it oozes prestige. It's such a unique and fantastic dining experience it will leave your mouth watering for years. Yes, YEARS.

As Seen On... #9

Cheezborger, cheeps, and a Coke. The Billy Goat Tavern achieved fame in the Saturday Night Live sketch The Olympia Cafe though it was a favorite Near North hot-spot long before that. Though the first location wasn't in NN, that one was closed and moved to what is now the oldest Billy Goat location: below Michigan Avenue.

When it comes to cheeseburgers, nothing is really comparable. They embody what a cheeseburger should be: good, greasy, messy, simple. And don't you dare ask for french fries, Billy Goat burgers only come with a side of chips. And no pepsi...coke.

The restaurant is grimy, dingy, and sports-bar meets diner. The walls are plastered with pictures of famous patrons and Billy Goat fans. It's perfect.

To learn more about the Billy Goat and its crazy history, including the story behind the "curse" click here.

NN Buried Treasure #29

Well devoted readers, it is time for another NN Buried Treasure. It may not look like much, but the 3rd Coast Cafe is one of Chicago's greatest finds. Nestled in the heart of the Near North Side, right at the corner of Delaware and Goethe, it is the oldest cafe in the Gold Coast. Residents of the city may overlook this gem, but I'd highly advise against it. Trust me.

The atmosphere is unparalleled in such an affluent area because it screams low key. Patrons can spend hours there ordering nothing but a bottomless cup of coffee. In high school my pals and I would spend hours there drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes (no longer legal indoors), and doing homework. Added bonus: this joint is open until midnight so there's plenty of time for late-night cramming.

In addition to a fun atmosphere, the 3rd Coast has an outstanding menu with enough variety to suit even the pickiest of eaters. My long-time favorite menu item has been the California salad: a BBQ/Ranch DELIGHT topped with chicken, avocado, peppers, beans, cheese and tortilla chips. To die for!

They also have a breakfast menu you can't ignore. I love the bagels and lox, they're always so fresh! Weird anecdote: my girlfriends and I dip our lox in balsamic vinegar, it's amazing.

That's kind of what makes 3rd coast so great. You make it your own. It exudes familiarity and it doesn't need to be familiar. It becomes your second home your first time there. Its comfortable and effortless with a dash of sophistication...just look at the wine list.

My only complaint is that the service is kind of slow, but when you go there, you're there to enjoy yourself, so don't rush...and order dessert!