-
-
Ad Space
(728 x 90)
-
-
Twitter
TOCEatOut
-
11/20/09
Follow us, send us tips, ask us for recommendations, share your thoughts, DM us with secrets, etc.
-
Ad Space
(120 x 240)
-
-
2009 Eat Out Awards
2009 Eat Out Awards Readers’ Choice Awards
TOTALLY CHILL At Mana, dishes like the cold sampler make meat a distant memory.Photo: Martha WilliamsBest New Vegetarian
MANA FOOD BAR
Other nominees Ankh, the Balanced Kitchen, Life Vegan, Veggie Bite
Something was missing from the city’s dining scene, but it wasn’t until Susan Thompson and Jill Barron (Sushi Wabi, De Cero) opened Mana that it became clear what precisely that was: a hip, neighborhood eatery where meat is the last thing on your mind. A minimal, rustic space, Mana is sleeker than granola hangs like Earwax Café, but with its selection of small and large plates, the place remains more affordable than veg-friendly fine-dining spots like Green Zebra. So it’s no surprise that Mana’s meat-free (and faux-meat-free) plates like Asian-inspired bibimbap and good-for-you brown-rice-and-mushroom sliders earned cred among veg-heads and meat-lovers alike. And just because the menu showcases vegetables in their simplicity—like marinated beets or raw squash ribbons—doesn’t mean you’ll feel like an ascetic: A killer cocktail—like a frothy cucumber “sakerita”—proves that point deliciously. 1742 W Division St, 773-342-1742.—Julia KramerReaders’ Choice Awards: Best New Bar | Best Beer Bar | Best New Restaurant | Best New Middle Eastern | Best Brunch | Best Loop Lunch | Best Italian | Best New Frozen Yogurt | Best Thai | Best New Vegetarian | Best Tapas | Best Thin-Crust Pizza | Best Barbecue | Best Corner Tap | Best Burger Photo gallery | Readers’ Choice Awards | Critics’ Picks | Video from the ceremony
Time Out Chicago / Issue 215 : Apr 9–15, 2009
Leave a comment
-
-
- Subscribe now and save 87%!
- For just $19.99 a year, you'll get hundreds of listings and free events each week, plus our special issues and guides, including Cheap Eats, Great Spas, Fall Preview, Holiday Gift Guide and more!
-
- Time Out Chicago respects your privacy. We will only use your e-mail address in order to contact you regarding to your subscription and to send you our weekly e-newsletter. We will not share this information with anyone.
-
-
Ad Space
(320 x 53)
Ad Space
(300 x 250)
-
Top stories
-
Most viewed in Restaurants & Bars
-
Chicago's best restaurants
Food and drink trends
Chef Interviews
Local artisans
-
Ad Space
(160 x 600)
Ad Space
(160 x 600)
-
- Visit our sister sites:
- Time Out Chicago Kids
- Time Out New York
- Time Out New York Kids
- Time Out London
- Time Out Worldwide
CAFÉ BA-BA-REEBA is original? It may be the oldest but nothing is more Spanish than Cafe Iberico. My personal test of a real tapas joint: ask id they serve Pacharan, imported sloe berry liquor popular in Spain and rarely found here. Last I ate at Ba Ba Reeba, they didn't serve Pacharan or half the authentic dishes listed on Iberico's menu.
Someone should do a review on Uncle Sammy's on Fullerton. This place is one of the best places for sandwiches in the city and the brownies are stupid good. There are always people lined up at lunch and I had never even heard of the place? These guys need to market their awesome product. I think people would really come here after the bars if they knew it was open.
Where is Chilango- the cool Mexican restaurant in Upper Street??
The food is absolutely fantastic! Each dish I've tried is succulent and has just the right amount of spices. They do need to have some sign or such though, very hard to find, easy to drive past without noticing.
What's with the weird comments here? Chickpea is fun, has great food (although I'm sure not everyone will agree but do they ever?), is incredibly friendly and it's really really reasonable. They are hard to find (no sign) and confusing (you order at the counter, pick up your silverware and napkins and they bring the food to your table). But it's got great atmosphere and a free pinball machine. I could keep coming back here just for the baba-ghannooj. Highly recommended. Check out reviews on yelp.
CAFÉ BA-BA-REEBA is by far the best tapas restaurant inthe city. I highly suggest checking out Mon Ami Gabi as well. The peppercorn steak is tremendous.
I can't believe Meli Cafe wasn't an option. Hands down best brunch in the city.
I love the plain yogurt to stir my purist tastes.
Really? With all the new places in Chicago, _this_ is what TOC readers chose? For shame.
Angels and Kings? Honestly?
I don't understand how this place gets rave reviews. I'll agree - the hummus is delicious, but that's where it ends. The entree specials are bland and definitely missing Middle Eastern spice! There must be a better newcomer than this place. I wanted to love it, but I just didn't. Not in the coziest neighborhood either.