Step off Washington Boulevard into Rush Street and there, under the high wood-beamed ceiling, amid the brick walls, you will find yourself in the heart of Chicago. Have a seat at the 35-foot single-slab concrete bar and you can practically hear the L-train as you enjoy one of the finest selections of microbrews around.
Chi-town native Brian McKeaney has teamed up with TV and film producer Ken Kaufman to turn a former sign shop into an authentic Windy City dining experience. Whether it’s lunch, brunch, dinner or drinks — Rush Street is the place to be.
“You can’t be all things to all people,” McKeaney says, “But we try.”
The patio is to place to be at lunch, where you can enjoy some California sunshine with your mesquite turkey burger. Inside you’ll find a wide selection of tall tables that allow for a social, barroom-like experience. For those who prefer a bit more intimacy, the elevated king-size booths provide a nice perch from which to take it all in. But that’s only half the picture — upstairs, things really heat up. The second-floor lounge is the late-night rendezvous. Thursday through Saturday, you can enjoy signature cocktails at the upstairs bar or in the private back room as a DJ gets the party started. But the action doesn’t really get sizzling until the first pole dance — yep, this joint has a stripper pole (and even provides instruction on Wednesday nights). After that, if you need a smoke, you can step out onto the city’s only rooftop patio.
But a trip to Rush Street is not complete until you’ve sunk your teeth into chef Dave Northrup’s culinary creations — and if Amanda is the one serving it up, your appetite is sure to be whet. For starters, try the lobster & shrimp eggrolls served with a trio of dipping sauces or the sweet red pepper & walnut dip — you’ll discover flavors vibrant and bold.
For a true taste of Chicago, try the smoked baby back ribs served with corn pudding. Wow. The flat iron steak cooked a true medium rare will satisfy the carnivore in you. I recommend the truffle asiago fries on the side. And if it is tender white meat you’re in the mood for, the brick roasted chicken is juicy and flavorful. On the lighter side, the marinated jumbo shrimp salad is a sensory overload.
And then there’s grand finale — dessert. Rush Street’s giant carrot cake is simply the best carrot-flavored anything that I’ve ever eaten. For a more exotic treat try the red velvet ice cream bar from MILK ice cream parlor. Or if chocolate is your thing, the flourless chocolate torte was summarized by one of my dinner guests as a “taste explosion.”
Whether you’re in the mood for Sunday brunch with the kids, lunch with the guys from accounting or a late Thursday night with a special someone, Rush Street is the way to get there.
