For almost two decades, the Boystown spot has a very lively brunch, complete with a stable of seasoned drag performers who know how to command a crowd’s attention—and my recent visit was no exception. Performer Madam X thrilled the crowd by dressing as Miley Cyrus, Cher, Lady Gaga and others, and singing (not lip-synching) their songs—and, at one point, deftly taking all the money several women had, including the dollar bills sitting on the table. (Interestingly, Madam X told Windy City Times after her performance that she doesn’t want to be famous, for fear of losing her connections with the audience.)
If you’re looking for a drink, this is DEFINITELY the place—as Kit Kat boast s more than 200 different cocktails, including an enviable list of martinis, such as the Peggy Lee (vodka, orange, banana liqueur and cranberry), Hopscotch (vodka, butterscotch schnapps and cream) and Sangria (red wine and brandy) martinis.
As for the food at the “Divalicious Brunch”—well, what can I say? It was pretty much hit-and-miss. The beignets were solid and my friend really enjoyed her Rice Krispie French toast—but the steak in my skillet dish was tougher than a calculus assignment, and I basically ate around it. Service was also noticeably slow (and with a two-hour limit at each table, patrons might be at the mercy of the servers), although the telegenic server was very nice. (Other offerings range from coconut shrimp salad to Avocado Two Ways to, of course, the Kit Kat Burger.
So I would recommend Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club—as far as the entertainment and drinks go. As for the cuisine, overall, it’s not quite diva-worthy.
Lark—under new management
Meanwhile, there’s a different kind of fun at nearby restaurant Lark (3441 N. Halsted St.; larkchicago.com/), which, intriguingly, has been under new management since February (supplanting LKH)—Kit Kat co-owners Edward Gisiger and Ramesh Ariyanayakam, and Managing Partner Ralph Fasano.
Disco music greets you upon entering, daring you not to at least tap your feet even while waiting for a seat. However, there are also all sorts of games, including Jenga. (The people at the table next to us in the impressive patio area played Mystery Date.) Even if the large-screen television outside switches to sports, tunes by Donna Summer, Chaka Khan and others continue playing—providing a surreal, yet sill enjoyable, feel.
As for the food, it’s interesting that Kit Kat’s management is involved at Lark as well, because the food was definitely tastier (not exotic, but well done) than at the other spot.
My friend absolutely loved the BELT (bacon, egg, lettuce and tomato sandwich), while the turkey club put a smile on my face (in part, thanks to some supremely wonderful … tater tots). The avocado toast was quite delicious as well—but the crowning glory was the Margherita pizza, complete with a wood-fired Neapolitan crust. However, if that’s not your thing, several burgers are available, including the Lark Smash (a tantalizing item with two quarter-pound beef patties, applewood smoked bacon, ham, white cheddar, crispy onion rings, lettuce, tomato, and onions on a buttery brioche bun). And if you have the willpower/stomach room to try a S’mores pizza for dessert, then more power to you.