Argentina comes to Lincoln Square

**** Chicago is a city of “neighborhoods”. Many of these are going through changes that are very positive. The area known as Lincoln Square, at one time was about as German as an area could be. The area is highlighted by Lincoln Avenue from a bit North of Lawrence Avenue south to Montrose. Many years ago, they closed off Lincoln Avenue at Lawrence, south to Wilson as a “mall”. They changed that years later, but left it as a one way street allowing the two blocks to be like a center/mall.

Today, it is filled with dining spots and during this pandemic, many of them with terrific outdoor seating. I was contacted by several of my radio listeners to take a look and in particular, taste the amazing food at  Artango Bar & Steakhouse located at 4767 N. Lincoln Avenue, an Argentinian Steakhouse. Last night Frank, Jane and I went to this beautiful restaurant to enjoy the food of Argentina. The restaurant has a huge indoor area, with open windows along the Avenue, allowing us to be sheltered from the outdoors, yet to be as close to outside as possible. They also have outside seating that is canopied, so even with some fall weather, those who prefer outdoors seating can feel safe.

The menu is huge, in particular the bar offerings. I enjoyed their “blood & sand” ( scotch. vermouth, freshly squeezed orange juice and cherry liquer) a roaring twenties favorite. Frank enjoyed the La Maleva ( rum, hibiscus homemade syrup, China-China amaro and lime). They have some very exotic mixtures that appear to be unique to their extraordinary menu. They also have a great number of wines, so that everyone in your party will be in the right mood.

For our appetizers, we selected  Crudo ( Sashimi-style seasonal fish, avocado, jalepeno, scallions and truffle-calamansi sauce),  the Empanadas ( we did one of each, beef, corn & cheese and caprese) and the Pulpo A La Parrilla( grilled octopus, whipped sweet purple potato and garnish). These were easily shareable. The menu is vast and the portions allow for easy tasting.

While they offer some true Argentinian specials ( for two or 3-4) including Asados of flank steak, short ribs etc and Paella ( prawns, scallops, market fish, calamari, shrimp and rice) we opted to try less so that we could get to the steaks. We opted for their Para Compartir- a steak flight including ribeye, NY strip and sirloin steaks. While this is a for two plate, it served three as well. We did add the Quinda Risotto  that finished the plate.

Artango has a great number of items to select from along with lots of side dishes.  they also are known for “family style” dining and based on our experience, this is easy to do. Everything was cooked to perfection and quite flavorful. Our server Alexandria made sure that we were taken care of and they cleaned our table each time they cleared the dishes to make room for the next part of the meal. They truly practiced all the CDC rules and regulations.

For dessert ( we love that part of the dinner), we selected The Felicia ( a flan), the El Portenion (mango gelato) and Oblivion ( molton lava cake). The portions were easy to share, although, I think I could have handled them on my own.

Artango Bar & Steakhouse is open  Tuesday-Thursday 5 p.m.-11 p.m., Friday, 5 p.m.- 12 a.m., Saturday 4 p.m.- 12 a.m. and Sundays 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.

HAPPY HOUR- from 5 p.m.- 7 p.m. everyday but Saturday, specials on drinks, wine and food- ask the bartender or server for the Happy Hour menu.

To contact the Artango for reservations call 1-872-208-7441 or info@artangosteakhouse.com

To view their amazing menu and see the events ( they have music and dance events) visit them at www.artangosteakhouse.com

Artango Bar & Steakhouse can also handle private parties, but at present they are limited to the CDC rules and regulations of social distancing. Street parking ( metered) is easily available but since there are a great number of restaurants in Lincoln Square, you may have to park and walk- it is worth doing so!