Coast Sushi Bar

If you're a sushi lover, (we definitely are!) then you have probably already been to Coast.  This Bucktown gem is commonly referred to as the best byob sushi spot in Chicago... and in terms of food and price, we agree.

Our last Coast visit took place on a Thursday evening. Not having reservations, I called ahead to put our name down. This is a very nice perk, as they reserve a portion of their restaurant to "call-ahead" - a.k.a. "procrastinators." We still had to wait a little while, but nothing compared to the wait on a Friday or Saturday night!

We ordered the exotic tempura and gyoza for appetizers... both were good, didn't knock our socks off (see "Tampopo" if you're looking for great tempura!) For our main course, we ordered some nigiri and a few rolls - crunchy, ebi q, spicy tako, and spider. The nigiri was very fresh and the rolls can't be beat in regards to value.

Although the wait staff at Coast is very friendly, the downside to dining here is always feeling rushed.  I understand there are massive lines and they're trying to keep a steady turnover; however, your wait shouldn't have to be longer than your actual meal. 

If you are looking for a great date spot or a trendy restaurant for a girls night out, Coast is the place to go.  Remember - make a reservation and don't forget your poison!

Coast Sushi Bar
2045 N. Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 235-5775
http://www.coastsushibar.com/

Tampopo

We decided to try this place one weeknight because we saw it on Check, Please and became completely obsessed with the idea of ordering a humongous bowl of ramen noodles.  Even though it is way out there, we feel it is worth the trip.  Please note, Tampopo is only BYOB on Thursday. 

At first, the weathered interior scared us a little but we stayed because of the reviews.  We started off with a tako maki, which is both our favorite roll and one we order frequently.  The chunks of octopus in the sushi were so delicious and fresh... it definitely stood out from all the other tako rolls we've had!  We could have eaten ten more (each) but instead chose to save our appetites for dinner... boo to not being piggies.  (Ok, who are we kidding, boo to pretending we aren't piggies).

Originally, we planned on ordering the sukiyaki as one of our entrees, but instead ordered the Tanmen Ramen and Teriyaki Beef & Tempura. The Tanmen Ramen is not recommended.  It was very bland and had a fishy aftertaste since it is made with a fish broth... gross!  However, the Beef & Tempura was delicious.  We both felt the tempura was the best. tempura. ever.  It was not greasy and had a ton of crunch.  The beef teriyaki = also A+.

We would go back again, not for the ambiance, but for the food.  It should also be noted that Tampopo is a little on the pricy side.  Normally you expect these kind of prices in the city... but not so far outside of the city.

Tampopo
5665 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60686
(773) 561-2277
http://www.tampopochicago.com/

Thai Lagoon

The artwork on the wall at this Wicker Park thai restaurant was pretty corny, but despite feeling like you were in a hello-kitty store, the food was good. It is not worth the visit unless you're in the area for other things, but if you are, and you happen to have a bottle of wine, stop in. We ate: chicken gyoza dumplings with soy vinegar, shrimp shumai, chicken lardnar, and sitr-fried egg noodles. The appetizers were definitely our favorite part of the meal. The entrees were good, and the portions large. All this and our total (with $3 corkage fee) was just around $30. Woah!

We came on a Friday night, around 7:30. The small restaurant was nearly empty, but really started filling as the evening went on. Once the two of us start talking, we do not stop... so needless to say we really enjoyed the fact that our waiter never once rushed us, and we never felt we were annoying him by staying for a while.

If you plan on stopping by, it would be a good spot to visit on a weeknight.

Thai Lagoon

2322 West North Avenue
Chicago, IL 60647-5315
(773) 489-5747

Mixteco Grill

The head chef at Mixteco - formerly one of Rick Bayless' sous chefs - is the mastermind behind this authentic Mexican restaurant in Lakeview.  What we ate:  guacamole, carne asada, and their conchinita pibill.

The guacamole was chunky and really fresh.  I overheard someone say it was the "best guacamole" they ever had even though I can't second that because I don't frequently order guacamole, so I don't consider myself an expert, though it was very good.  Their carne asada was made with ribeye, not the cheaper flank or skirt steak you will usually get when ordering this type of entree, and it was delicious.  Our waiter told us they only buy the best quality of meat... (I know you can't always trust waiters)...  but I believed him after I ate it.  The conchinita pibill had the right amount of spice and was also delicious. 

We heard they also have a great brunch... byom(imosas?)

Make a reservation - this place is pretty tiny. 

Mextico Grill
1601 West Montrose Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613
(773) 868-1601

BYOB Lovers Unite

Fellow foodies and BYOB lovers:

A few large glasses of wine, and frustration over not finding BYOB we wanted to go to, helped materialize the idea of a blog that highlights our experiences at various BYOB restaurants in Chicago.  Feel free to post on our blog with suggestions, and we'll be sure to add it to our list of places to visit.  In the meantime, eat, drink, drink, drink, and be merry!

Patti & Ursula