“The Reveler” Not just bar food

[rating=4] Last week, when we attended “My Big Fat Italian Wedding Murder”, I mentioned the food at The Reveler, a sports bar in Roscoe Village where this production took place. If you recall, I spoke to the GM and the chef and learned that they had a complete menu, as in restaurant as well as typical “bar food”. Tonight, we went back. Jane, Frank and I were greeted by Sonia Santillan, the GM and taken to our table. There are many different rooms in this famous building ( famous because at one time it was part of a local movie studio- way back in the very old days). Since it is a sports bar there are television sets everywhere with sports on every screen. Tonight was a “Cross Town Classic” ( Cubs vs Sox at Wrigley), but luckily we were seated in a quieter section. Almost every employee wears IOWA T-shirts as this is THE bar for Iowa games. On those days, they bar is filled with Iowa alumni.

Our server Rosa, who is new to this venue, understood the menu completely and made sure that we knew the items that were most popular. For starters we opted for the Fried G.O.A.T. Cheese Balls (arugula, goat cheese, seasoned pork rind crumble and pepper jelly), Drunken Cheese Curds ( ale and oregano marinated cheese curds, beer batter, spicy aioli and pesto ranch) and the Sheet Nachos (Mozzarella ,nacho cheese, black beans, pico de gallo, sour cream, avocado cream, cilantro /we added chicken/) other options, pulled pork, steak or avocado- this is large enough to consider a meal. We also had the Bulldog Pretzel ( but after the dinner as a desert)!

Dinner items were easy and simple, but delicious. We ordered their Tavern Smash Burger ( house burger blend, American cheese, pickle, dijonnaise, brioche) and the Cubano ( low and slow pulled pork, ham ,pickles, dijonnaise on a crispy sub roll)- they come with sides, and we selected the mashed potatoes and some marvelous tasting cole slaw. Next time, the Mac’n’cheese, for sure! The other dinner was the Whisky Salmon (Atlantic salmon, sweet whisky glaze, mashed potatoes and roasted rainbow carrots. This was as fine a seafood dinner as you might find at a number one seafood restaurant.

In addition to these items, they have a wide assortment of wraps, veggie dishes, a Shrimp Po Boy ( we saw one go by and I almost followed it home) and a fried chicken wrap. Typical of a sports bar, Pizza is a specialty. Of course, Tavern Style, hand tossed with pretty much any meat or veggie you might consider. They also do some specialty pizzas like Spicy Chicago and Vinaloo for some zest to your experience and then Grandma Style, the old fashioned way.

When it comes to desserts, they count the pretzel as one. They call it the Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel and it is from the infamous Bulldog Bakery- do not fail to enjoy this either with your cocktail before dinner or as a dessert. A Sure winner. They also have Banana Walnut bread made in-house , but new to their menu is the chocolate chip cookie skillet ( to die for!). you have to order early as this delightful, tasty item takes 15- 20 minutes. Worth the wait, for sure!.

The Reveler is a great spot in an area that is fun to visit. Roscoe Village is filled with dining spots, shops and a warm feeling that is what Chicago should feel like. The streets are filled with people enjoying their neighborhood, kids walking with parents, and young lovers out for a walk. The Reveler is on the corner of Damen and Roscoe (3403 N. Damen Avenue). The phone number is  773-248-9523- website www.revelerchicago.com.

Every Monday night is Adult Bingo, Tuesday is Tacos,Tequila & Tecate, Wednesday-Trivia night and every night is fun night

Open Monday-Friday noon- 2 a.m.

Saturday 11 am- 3 am

Sunday  11 am- 2 am

Parking on the street- some metered, others not- watch the signs and enjoy the Roscoe Village experience. Once you visit the Reveler, I am pretty sure you will go back. I know we plan to!

The Reveler is part of Last Call Tavern Group

to learn more visit www.lastcalltaverngroup.com

Hope to report on those in the near future.