No restaurant embraces Chicago quite like Municipal Bar + Dining Co. (216 W. Ohio St.; www.municipalbar.com).
From the furniture (including tables with I-beam supports) to the subway-themed facades, the place—which co-owner Sam Fakhouri described to me as an “upscale sports bar”—screams Chicago.
This, of course, includes the menu, which has drinks such as the very tasty River North and Gold Coast cocktails. As for eats, they are divided into sections—and some are easier to figure out than others. For example, hot appetizers are in the “Department of Fire” category and salads are ensconced in the “Department of Environment” section. However, Fakhouri had to explain to me why flatbreads are in the “Department of Cultural Affairs” categories (and it basically has to do with the diversity of toppings on the items).
If you’re in the mood to see sports, there’s no shortage of screens everywhere—and I do mean everywhere. (On the day I went, I think I saw every thing except badminton—nirvana for this sports fan.) In addition, sports celebrities frequent the venue. (The day after I was there, Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler was among those slated to be at Municipal for the NFL draft—and a Chicago Blackhawk was there while I dined.)
As for the food, overall, it’s more than impressive. (FYI: The dishes are not all Chicago-related.) Sous chef Donald Penza should really be proud of the pork-belly tacos (which have a slight kick), grilled calamari (with three different sauces), half-chicken, scallops and the duck sliders. Among the many other options on the menu are tuna tartare, beet-and-goat-cheese salad, lobster rolls, BBQ chicken flatbreads and risotto.
By the way, if you possibly have room after dining on appetizers and entrees, there are desserts such as the beyond-decadent chocolate chip cookie with caramel, chocolate sauce and vanilla ice cream; and the Ferris Wheel, a dish with ricotta doughnuts, funnel cake, seasonal berries, chocolate sauce and caramel.
Fakhouri added that this summer, the place plans to have a patio that seats up to 100 people—and it will be complete with LED lights. Here’s hoping there’s a rainbow night for Pride Month