***** Part of what we do at Around The Town, both on radio and here on the website, is take people to unfamiliar theaters and dining spots. We had several calls about a place, a corner bar, in Ukrainian Village ( west of the loop on Chicago Avenue) that has been run by three women for the past 15 years or so, called The Beetle Bar & Grill. It reminded me of the old corner bars that were in every Chicago neighborhood back in the day. A cozy spot where locals could stop for a drink on their way home, or meet friends for a game of pool, or even a meal. I have been to many of these local spots, and for the most part, they do not offer food like we experienced today.
Jane and I met with our kids, Cary and Cari for brunch, as this is what they offer every Saturday and Sunday from noon until 3 p.m.. They also offer their regular menu items, but since this is something new, we decided that this was where we would concentrate. I must tell you, that the brunch items we had were delicious and comparable to any dining spot in the greater Chicago area that offers a brunch menu ( but at far more affordable pricing). Jane and I arrived a bit early and ordered a Bloody Mary ( delicious). Our server, Selena went over the menu with us so that we could do a proper sampling of “brunch” items and a burger ( they have great burgers) in order for us to give you a better picture.
As a Bar & Grill, they do have many shared plates but those are part of the regular menu, which we skipped. From the Brunch menu we opted for :
The skillet- scrambled eggs, sausage, giardiniera, bell pepper, roasted potatoes, onion, cheddar & pepper jack ( choice of toast bagel or English muffin/I chose western toast). This was one heck of a tasty dish and easily could be shared by two.
The Breakfast Burrito- scrambled eggs, pico de gallo, jack cheese, sour cream, guacamole in a flour tortilla with hash browns. flavorful and again, easy to share.
The Beetle Breakfast: two eggs ( any style) we selected scrambled, bacon ( very crispy) hash browns and toast again.
They also have a steak/egg plate, smoked salmon plate and a breakfast sandwich on a baguette in addition to the staple that every bar should have, Biscuits & Gravy-
We had the Chicken Cabo sandwich: chicken breast, bacon, avocado, tomato, swiss, lettuce, ranch dressing on ciabatta bread.
Serena suggested that if we were to do only one burger, it should be the fan favorite Figgy Stardust- a yummy burger with fig jam, smoked bacon, goat cheese and caramelized onion. Sides are fries, waffle fries, soup, salad cole slaw or an upgrade mac n’ cheese ( which we loved wow!).
Since we know that a lot of people who are watching their intake enjoy a salad, we went with the Kale Cobb: Chicken, kale, bacon, egg, corn, bleu cheese, avocado, tomato with green goddess dressing- another treat. We did have some leftovers, so the flavors to savor will stay with us for another meal.
The Brunch menu is every Saturday and Sunday from noon until 3 p.m.
By the way, they serve a pretty terrific coffee- Dark Matter Coffee, which I understand is pretty local to the area, and might I say, quite flavorful.
When one enters the Beetle Bar & Grill, one might not think of a wonderful dining spot, which is why I say “do not judge a book by it’s cover”. This place has a great kitchen with some quite talented people serving up some incredible dishes. It is certainly worth the drive and even the finding a parking space in order to have a great brunch. They also have a solid menu of non brunch items including some pizzas, lots of different sandwiches, soups and salads, and of course “bar food”
They have some lovely patio seating as well as tables in the dining area and bar. This is a fun spot with a family feeling.
The hours are:
Monday-Wednesday 4 p.m.- 1 a.m.
Thursday 4 p.m.- 2 a.m.
Friday & Saturday noon – 2 a.m.
Sunday noon to 1 a.m.
The Beetle Bar & Grill is located at 2532 West Chicago Avenue telephone 773-384-0701
Once again, this spot is worth the trip, no matter what meal you might be going for. We absolutely loved every Brunch item we tasted and the burger was heavenly.
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