Toons [Neighborhood bar & grill extraordinaire]

LTH,

As others have mentioned, there are some places that it's hard to believe aren't already GNRs and in my mind Toons is the quintessential example. I say this because it's not only an integral part of the physical neighborhood it occupies but maybe even more so, a part of our virtual neighborhood. Among the roster of places we patronize and adore, Toons has risen to become a genuine LTH hang-out, where I run into fellow LTHers almost every time I go. It's a remarkably friendly and comfortable place, run by Danny Beck, who's also a regular poster here at LTHForum.com. Everyone who works at Toons follows Danny's lead -- they are remarkably generous and hospitable. Of course, being nice and professional is only a small part of what makes a great GNR.

Toons also happens to be turning out what I consider to be the best old school bar food in the city. Their Buffalo wings are amazing, and consistently so. Their chili, fries, soups, gumbos and burgers and other offerings are all exemplary. This is crave-worthy food that manages to always hit the spot and satisfy at a core level. A few months back, some friends and I ended up at Toons a bit on the late side and Danny was already gone for the night. Of course, we missed not seeing him but it mattered not, as far as the food went. Everything we ate was (yet again) amazing and as we wolfed down our wings, waffle fries and chili, we nodded to each other and agreed that really, there was no better place in Chicago for getting our bar grub on. This isn't to say that the food doesn't rise above this level, because it does. Danny's wife Annie has spent plenty of time in some top kitchens and she also lends her mastery and experience to Toons' focused but mighty selection of offerings.

The place offers so much in the way of special events, too. Super Bowl parties, Mardi Gras parties, pig roasts, crawfish boils, etc. Not only are these events typically stellar for food and beverage -- and don't forget the live music -- but they also take on the feel of a regular old party at a friend's house. Drop some money in the basket and spend the day and evening chowing down on a variety of delicious, handmade food, including awesome barbecue (Danny is a KCBS member and a highly-skilled enthusiast). Especially at these events, Toons just feels like being in your buddy's backyard.

Toons' taps are also outstanding, delivering a variety of great seasonal and regional microbrews at reasonable prices. The selections change frequently, reflecting Danny's genuine passion for and love of brew. Spirit selection is reliable, too and their ubiquitous pineapple-vodka shots, which are more often than not, it seems, poured gratis, have become a signature of the place.

I could go on and on but I'd probably just end up repeating what I and others have already posted on the main Toons thread:

Toons Bar & Grill

Here too, is an index of other threads (not necessarily inclusive), which document various events that have taken place at Toons:

List of threads about Toons

And so it is that I proudly present for GNR consideration Toons Bar & Grill.

=R=

Toons Bar & Grill
3857 North Southport Avenue
Chicago, IL 60613-2823
(773) 935-1919