Chicago area visitors and residents don’t have far to look for dining out possibilities. There are the usual chain restaurants everywhere you turn. But, for those looking for something a bit less common, Chicago has some not as well-known pubs and restaurant chains to choose from.
The Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery is a franchised Scottish pub with a party atmosphere located in downtown Chicago. The restaurant chain is based in Tempe, Arizona, with 40 locations across the United States. Customers stop in for pub fare, beer and sporting events on the big screen TVs. The varied menu includes burgers, wings, sandwiches and wraps. For the heartier appetite, customers can choose entrees that include shepherd’s pie, braised sausages and a meatloaf sandwich.
Nancy and Rocco Palese opened their first pizza parlor in 1970. Since that time the restaurant has expanded to 38 stores throughout the Chicago area, as well as Indiana and Atlanta, Georgia. Nancy’s Pizza is “Home of the Original Stuffed Pizza” and has been voted Chicago’s best stuffed pizza twice by "Chicago Magazine." Nancy’s Pizza says the key to their success is the fresh ingredients. The restaurant makes pizza dough fresh daily, uses plum tomatoes that are canned specifically for use in the restaurants, and chooses spices from around the world. The menu includes a choice of 27 pizza toppings as well as specialty pizzas. The menu also includes pasta dishes, sandwiches and salads.
At Stir Crazy, customers get to watch as the chefs prepare the Asian dishes at the table. The restaurants, which began in 1995, serve recipes made from fresh meats and vegetables that are sliced and chopped right before your eyes and cooked amid leaping flames. Fifty dishes are offered including Chinese, Japanese, Thai and Vietnamese selections. There are four locations in the Chicago area.
Firkin & Pheasant Pub is an English-style pub located in Chicago. The menu offers pub favorites, such as fish and chips, steak and mushroom pie and cottage pie. Traditional sandwiches and burgers are on the menu as well. The restaurant offers daily lunch specials and a Saturday and Sunday brunch. As with any good pub, Firkin’s has a choice of English, Irish and American beer and ale on tap or in bottles. Wine and cocktail specials are available as well. Customers can watch sports on the big screen TVs or participate in the weekly pub activities.
