Tavern On Rush. Chicago

1031 N Rush Street, Chicago IL 60611.  312-664-9600

Hours of Operation:

Monday to Friday 11:00am - 2:00am

Saturday 9:00am - 3:00am

Sunday 9:00am - 2:00am

Valet Parking. Private dining. Hot Spot. Reservations highly recommeded.

THE ROOM:

I am feeling compeled to give a little history lesson here. The Tavern On Rush is located in a lovely and historic neighborhood of Chicago. Rush Street traces it's origin back to the original incorporation of the city in the 1830's. The street was named after a Declaration of Independence signer Benjamin Rush, a physician. The house of the first Mayor of Chicago was on Rush Street and it remains today one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in the country. The neighborhood boasts five star hotels and highly rated restaurants. Tavern On Rush is one of them. This attractive two story structure has a very masculine decor with booths and tables and wood paneled ceilings. In the summer when we visited you can enjoy the awning covered outdoor patios. We were blessed with a fabulous warm, sunny day and an evening that brought out crowds of folks looking for a good meal and the excitment of being in a big city. The place was hopping. This restaraunt is a hot spot for the 30 to 40 set, tourists and anyone who wants to people watch. The bar was packed both nights we were there. The first evening we enjoyed appetizers at the bar and the other evening we sat down for a meal in their upstairs dining room. 

THE FOOD:

Tavern On Rush has an extensive menu. Something for everyone's taste from appetizers, brick oven pizza's, soups and salads, steaks and chops, sandwiches, pastas, seafood, pork and poultry and several House Specials. The first night of appetizers we tried their pot stickers, blackened jumbo Cajun shrimp, tuna tartar and hot artichoke and crab dip. We had our own crowd so we just managed a taste of everything.The pot stickers were a little too chewy but the tuna tartar was nicely seasoned with a citrus vinagrette. The artichoke dip which I think is one of their most popular appetizers was substancial enough to feed many people but I would have liked more crab. The Cajun shrimp were spicy and very good but my idea of jumbo and theirs must be different. Overall it was a decent selection and satisfied us well enough and the atmosphere was thrilling and alive so we were enticed  to return for a dinner. For an appetizer we ordered and split the Bellevue Salad that had goodies like rock shrimp, hearts of palm, avocado, feta cheese, romaine lettuce, sweet onions and tomatoes tossed with a Balsamic vinagrette. It was crisp and fresh. I couldn't resist the broiled Lake Superior White Fish which is a moderately flavored fish. It was light and flaky. Ken had the Amish Country "free bird" Chicken Athena. It was made with a little too much feta cheese but the chicken had a wonderful flavor. I think the restaurant is just a great place to be. The food is decent but it is a little pricey. I would still go back for more.

THE SERVICE:

When we were at the bar for appetizers it was very crowded and horribly busy. We had to wait to order and wait to get served . Dinner service was better and the staff seemed less harried and more attentive.

RATINGS:

Food: **                              Cost:$$$-$