A new spot in Lake Forest- satisfaction and service you will adore!

[rating=5] Over the years, in my travels to Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest, I have always felt that the Lake Forest area needed some better dining near this fabulous theater. In the past, if we wanted more than Pizza ( Piero’s has been a staple in the area for eons) we needed to head east to “downtown” Lake Forest in order to find a true dining experience to go with that of the theatrical experience we would have. Now, that has changed. There is a new player in the area, and while it is called “Little Tail Sports Bar &Grill”, their menu is far from “bar food” and the servers and employees are all devoted to their being able to make your dining experience one to remember.

I am not sure what the name means, but while it is set up with many large screen TV’s in the dining room and bar area ( one room to be honest to serve all), we found that there was still a warmth and coziness that one might find in a special dining room of a fancy “supper club”. Our Host, Luis ( who truly understands the menu and how to work with the customers) seated us in the dining room where there is plenty of light. The restaurant is in a strip center located directly across the street of Sunset Foods on Waukegan Road in Lake Forest.

Tonight’s dining adventure ( a name I like to use) was attended by Jane and me, of course, and my editor/photographer ( all photos are by him) Barry Segal and his new friend Sheri. By having four of us, we are able to do more tasting and are able to give you a better idea of the complete menu.

I started the evening with a beverage ( for me,their featured Little Tails Old Fashion ( done differently than I have experienced in the past. They use rye bourbon of course, then the always present orange peel, bitters and some simple syrup. A very tasty and satisfying cocktail, to say the least. They have several signature cocktails and a host of wines that are all priced moderately. The others enjoyed water.

The appetizers we selected were Fried Shrimp, which were delightful and in no way “greasy” as fried foods very often are and the incredible Short Rib Poutine : if you have never enjoyed this savory dish, they make it here with tater tots instead of french fries, that truly makes a difference. They are topped with  braised short ribs, nacho cheese, sour cream and a house gravy that truly outshines any other I have ever tasted. Barry agreed whole heartedly and took the leftovers home ( not sure if they made it all the way).

We chose two of the salad dishes, The Caprese Salad composed of beef steak tomatoes , Buffalo Mozzarella and just the right spices was a delight. The Chopped Salad had great ingredients, but was not what we expected in a chopped salad. Next time, the Caesar for sure. I saw two go by and they looked far more to my liking.

We did do a few burgers as entrees. Sheri is a vegetarian, so we did the Black Bean burger with sliced avocado, lettuce tomato, onion, horseradish and crispy onion straws served on a brioche bun and the others was their signature Little Tails Burger. While that is a mouthful to say, it is even more of a mouthful to enjoy, but enjoy we did! Made with Wagyu beef, this 1/2 pound burger was also served with avocado, crispy maple bacon ( to die for), Brie cheese , bacon jam, garlic salt and again a brioche bun- special and divine and worth the drive for ( when you are in the mood for a great burger). The fries, onion rings and vegetables that were our sides were all delicious and served just right.

Of course they have many other sandwiches and some terrific grille items. Fillet, skirt steaks, fajita and chicken as well as a fish item. We had the Teriyaki Salmon ( 8 oz. of Atlantic salmon glazed in teriyaki served with string beans that were steamed to perfection). They also have nightly and weekly specials and tonight they had some baby back ribs that were falling off the bone. If they have that when you come by, I suggest that you get either a half order for the table or perhaps, make that your meal.

While we were truly filled to the brim, our “little tails” could not leave without trying the “lava cake”. We shared one piece ( that was more than enough) of this yummy delight that will bring it home for sure. This little spot is a treasure that one you find, you will never want to let it go. They are a family dining spot too.

Mondays- Kids eat free

Tuesdays  Ladies night specials

Wednesdays  Wine specials

Fridays- live music

They are also open for lunch with a limited menu- 11 items, at a cost of $11 each and served to you in 11 minutes. Never feel rushed and I guarantee, you will never leave hungry!

“Little Tails Sports Bar & Grill” is located at 840 S. Waukegan Road ( in the center where Starbucks is located) in Lake Forest ( just down the street from Citadel Theater and lake Forest Hospital) . Their phone number is 847-235-2908 and website www.littletailsbarandgrill.com.

Hours: Sunday- Thursday  11 a.m.- 11 p.m.

Friday and Saturday  11 a.m.- 1 a.m.       Plenty of free parking and if the weather permits ( someday, I am sure it will), there is a lovely outdoor seating area as well. ENJOY!