[rating=4]Do you feel the need for a vacation? Are you unable to take one? There are times that one feels the need to escape from the craziness of day-to-day life and perhaps head to the lake for some R and R! Did you know that this can be done without ever leaving Chicago? When you are driving down Sheridan Road, just North of the Hollywood extension, you will pass a park known as Berger park. There is a huge building ( that at one time was a mansion) and now houses a museum of sorts. Between this building and Lake Michigan is something very special. A retreat right in Edgewater. It is called the Waterfront. It is a calm setting overlooking Lake Michigan that almost makes you feel that you are relaxing at your resort, enjoying a libation and some wonderful food.
When you arrive at the Waterfront, one opens the door to enter and follow the social distancing rules. If in fact, there are people inside, wait until called so the area is kept clear and safe. After you place your order ( contactless) and payments are made, you can proceed to the lakefront patio seating. There are seats to the right and left. To the right, there is also a stage area so when the entertainment begins, you will have a closer look. Once your items are prepared, the food runners will come directly to your table so that there is little wasted time.
“To share or not to share”- that is the question?
Jane and I have been waiting for our chance to visit Jeffrey and Frank in their summer home away from home ( also called the workplace). The waterfront is known for the rolls, but they also have some great salads and if you are one to do appetizers, their Shrimp Ceviche is amazing. It is tangy ( cured in citrus) and has a little bite at the end. I truly enjoyed the tang and bite! The Pesto Hummus with naan flatbread is another favorite. I thought I noticed almost every table had a basket of these specialties and if you love “jerk ” chicken, the Jerk Chicken Nachos will make your day. Grilled chicken, pineapple, onion and jerk aiolli and one serving is plenty for 4 people to share.
The Waterfall rolls are special and while they are cut in halves ( for two nice bites, I truly think they could be divided into 4 so you can try more of the flavors available.
All of the rolls are served with small batched kettle chips and they do offer gluten free bread is needed ($2 extra).
They have a Pork Bratwurst, called their Guiness Beer Brat as well as a Beef, Bacon and Bourbon sandwich (sliced beef, bacon, cheddar cheese, bourbon bbq sauce on a brioche bun ( next time for sure). We opted to do the true Waterfront seafood rolls- Brown Butter Crab Roll ( both Jane and I absolutely adored this one) chilled crab meat with lemon caper aloli on a New England grilled buttered bun. in addition, we did the Blackened Cajun Shrimp Roll. The avocado aioli kept the bite down to a minimum, so neither of us had any extra tanginess, and of course, if doing a roll that has seafood, why not the Lobster Roll. For a while, with all these seafood dishes and the water view, I almost felt that we were on the coast of Maine- what a feeling.
FYI- the stage area has different performers on different nights. Tonight a small combo with a vocalist added to the pleasure of the evening. BTW- they do have cocktails and my “old Fashion” was pretty darn good! There were several families having dinner together which made for a pretty picture and guess what? They have a “whippersnapper” menu:
Peanut butter and Jelly and/ or a bagel dog. Most of the kids I saw were into the menu items and sharing with Mom and Dad.
The Waterfront is located at 6219 N. Sheridan Rd. ( at Granville) in Chicago. The phone number is 773-761-0376 ( Berger Park) Waterfront 773-761-3294
you will not see it from the street as the cafe is behind the Cultural Center.
Dining is available
Monday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday,Tuesday ,Wednesday and Thursday NOON- 9p.m.
Fridays and Saturdays NOON- 10 p.m.
NO RESERVATIONS
Parking is available on the streets just to the west as there are no residential rules for night parking
Every night there is different entertainment, so call ahead. Also, there is no inside seating, so weather will make your choices easier.
The Waterfront Cafe is located at 6219 N. Sheridan Road ( Berger Park).
They are a casual lakeside cafe with performances on specific nights. No reservations are ever accepted- first come first served is the routine. They are open ( in season)
Since it is outdoor seating ONLY, it is suggested that you call 773-761-3294 to check status.
Parking is street and a few area lots- visit www.waterfrontcafechicago.com or mail eat@waterfrontcafechicago.com
Tables are for 4, but special arrangements can be made in advance and they do not offer private parties
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