When it comes to spaces with history, FELIX Modern American Dining is certainly in one.
The Lake View restaurant is at 3301 N. Clark St., which has been the home of Socca, Hutch and the legendary Buddies (the latter which partnered with LGBTQ+ and HIV/AIDS organizations). Now, co-owners Derek Intapura and Asana Nakornchai (who also have the nearby Bites Asian Kitchen + Bar) have taken the space and put their own mid-American spin (in terms of decor) on it.
“Everything just fell into place,” Intapura told me about getting the space for Felix, which opened in April 2025. “My partner and wife, Asana, always wanted this space so that was a trigger point for her. She was really excited.”
As for FELIX’s brunch menu, it’s not exactly modern—a point with which Intapura agreed. “It’s more with the dinner menu. There are items there with modern twists on comfort food.” (Note to self: I’ll have to return here for that.)
By the way, Intapura noted that FELIX is not named after any one person or thing. “It’s a combination of things. I’m a James Bond fan and Felix was a CIA operative. It’s also similar to feliz, which means happy. It also means lucky, and that was the name of my dog that I had that passed years ago.”
The pet’s fate aside, patrons will feel lucky that they have dined at FELIX. While the brunch menu isn’t modern, it’s pretty terrific. I implore you to start with the crab rangoon dip (a kanikama and cream cheese blend with sesame oil, jalapeño, celery and onion) accompanied by large wonton chips; yes, it’s imitation crab but it still managed to taste pretty indulgent.
My guest—who eats relatively healthfully—loved the Greek scramble (a dish with three eggs, spinach, cherry tomatoes, feta cheese, breakfast potatoes and toasted sourdough) and the Orchard Waldorf salad, although (as I stated in my Bellevue review) a little blue cheese goes a long way.
The Felix Burger (double quarter-pound smashed patties topped with grilled onion, fromage de Provence, black pepper aioli, pickles, arugula and balsamic drizzle) was absolutely unique and delightful; the crab cake Benedict had the right crustacean-to-breading ratio as well as perfectly poached eggs; and the addictive blueberry hot cakes were loaded with the fruit. The only speed bump was the slightly crumbly cornbread, although having butter helped.
There’s one problem, though: It seems like a dance floor might be needed. With late ‘70s and early ‘80s dance music on the playlist, it would be the perfect way to work off those calories.
Grade: B+Note: This isn’t the only restaurant that’s covered this week. Find out more about what The Bellevue and Bandit have to offer at SAVOR with Andrew.