Gale Street Inn is alive and better than ever!

*****For many years, my family and friends were patrons of The Gale Street Inn in Jefferson Park. It was a great place for family get togethers, and in my adult years, when I worked at Six Corners as well as my years in the yellow pages, this was a go-to place for end of  the year parties, or just a weekend craving for BBQ Ribs! As time wnet by, and we moved out of the city, our lives seemed to forget about the city life and perhaps our tastes changed. When it was announced that The Gale Street Inn was closing, we made a trip back to the location and ended up waiting to get some ribs, and then they closed. But thanks to Paulo Villabona, a local resident with a restaurant background, who stepped up to the plate and said, Let’s keep this Chicago Landmark alive!

Tonight, Frank, Cary, Jane and I went to meet with Paulo and learn more about what they are doing. I must tell you that there were lots of diners enjoying themselves. When we arrived, it was right after the Happy Hour (Monday, Wednesday & Thursday 4-5 p.m. and then from 8-9 p.m.) FYI On Friday and Saturday they do 3-5 p.m. and then again from 9-10 p.m. YES! TWO HAPPY HOURS where drinks are at special prices and bites and small plates are plentiful: burgers/slider, 1/4 rack of their famous ribs, wings, Tuna Tartare Wonton, House potato chips with a caramelized onion dip, BBQ spiced crispy chick peas and the amazing deviled eggs ( one of my weak spots- sorry Seattle, but I love deviled eggs and these were extra special). They also have live entertainment with music and singing. You can check with them when you make a reservation to make sure. For reservations call 773-725-1300.

Our menu items were for the most part, the standard items that one can find there all the time. We often do this to ensure that what we talk about will always be available to you when you go to the Gale Street Inn located at 4914 N. Milwaukee Avenue in Jefferson Park. They do have free parking and the beauty of their location is that one can get there easily by using public transportation. The Jefferson park “L” station is right across the street.

We had, in addition to the deviled eggs, their potato skins (candied bacon, truffle-gruyere fondue & scallions), staffed mushrooms ( ricotta, gruyere and vodka sauce), Crudo ( the selections change with the seasons and availability/Hamachi was ours), some fresh Parker rolls with creamy butter, and a Kale Caesar salad ( that was big enough to take half home) and we had some potatoes au Gratin ( amazing flavor).

As usual, we allowed the owner and his staff to put together the menu items that would be available at all times. Our sever Adriana , was a delight. She made sure that every items was explained and that since we were sharing ( doing a tasting, we all want to try everything) she made sure we had small plates, new silverware, serving pieces and proper knives as well as napkins, and she constantly filled our water glasses.

For our entree’s, of course, the ribs ( Chicago’ finest with their famous tangy Gale Street Sauce garnished with slaw- just right, and fall off the bone delicious! I could have stopped at this point as I was in BBQ Rib heaven, but wait there’s more ( and some even better!)

The Southwest Risotto with Scallops was amazingly tasty ( arborio rice, medley of squash, peppers, onions, and queso fresco) It was superb. The Spring Salmon ( a 6 ounce pan fried salmon with green pea puree, wild rice pilaf, preserved lemons and maitake mushrooms) and last but not least, the Walleye, a divine plate.

While we all agreed that we were well fed as we enjoyed a cup of coffee ( de-caf for all), when they brought out two of their specialty deserts, we all  agreed “We had to at least taste them”, so there we were with a piece of Dubai chocolate cake ( to die for!) and a slice of Carrot cake that was a sheer delight.

They have not altered the menu, but have made some modifications on the prep for these items. I can tell you that each and every item is as tasty as I have had in the past, so while they did not change the menu, they have improved upon the items that I was familiar with. The ribs are just as they always were- the highest of quality, the best of sauces and the preparation as always! The best!

HOURS OF OPERATION