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CHICAGO: Cozy Up To a Warm Winter Meal

Chicagoland Heats Up With Cold Weather Dining Options

Winter in Chicago this year is rumored to be one of the coldest and snowiest to date. Fear not! In a city filled with great chefs and delicious eats it’s easy to find a dining destination to ride out the chill. Whether you’re in the mood for pizza, pot roast, sashimi or salad, these hot spots have got you covered:

Avli Estiatorio:
Nothing says cozy winter warmth like saganaki—flaming cheese. Full of Philoxenia (Greek for traditional hospitality), dining at this North Shore spot is like visiting an old friend. Avli offers both traditional Mediterranean fare like gyros and the Greek Village salad, but the shining stars for winter are the various Greek regional specialties, like Cretan honey'd beef, braised lamb shank from Northern Greece, and lobster pasta from Corfu, all delectable dishes that will warm your tummy and satisfy your taste-buds. Enjoy a glass of wine (or two) from the Midwest’s most extensive Greek wine list and before long you won’t be worrying about the icy weather. Avli’s extensive Greek-only wine has received Wine Spectator's Award of Excellence in 2010 and 2011.
Avli Estiatorio:  566 Chestnut in Winnetka, Illinois.

Bricks Pizza:
Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Lincoln Park, slip below street level to the brick-enclosed pizza joint for a thin crust delight. With toppings like artichoke sauce, shrimp, and housemade meatballs, your pizza wish is their command. Looking for something that really warms you up? The Painful pizza is not short on heat, topped with spicy pepperoni, purple onion, fresh jalapeno and garlic. Sweet Heat and the Grease Fire are also savory scorching selections.
Bricks Pizza: 1909 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, Illinois

Geja’s Cafe:
Winter is the perfect time for romance and dark, cozy corners and delicious fondue-style dining make Geja’s the perfect place for romance. With numerous engagements on their resume, it is no secret that Geja’s Cafe is one of the most romantic spots in all of Chicago. The snow is falling, you’re snuggled up with your sweetheart, and you are enjoying a 4-course fondue spectacular… what could be better? Offering cheese, meat and chocolate fondues, Geja’s really knows how to provide a unique, cozy experience.
Geja’s Café: 340 W Armitage Ave., Chicago, Illinois

The Grafton:
Complete with a large, blazing fireplace, the Grafton Irish pub is a definite crowd pleaser on brisk winter nights. Craving a burger? You’re in the right place. Custom burgers are an option, but to get into the true spirit of the Grafton, you must try a specialty burger. The Beckett, a pub favorite, is topped with cheddar cheese, fried onion and curry mayo. Aside from hearty burgers and a sprawling whiskey selection, the Grafton also has live music every Sunday-Wednesday. Cozy up by the fire, order a Beckett and wait for the storm to pass. 
The Grafton Pub: 4530 N Lincoln Ave., Chicago, Illinois

Bistronomic:
Nestled in the heart of the Gold Coast, savory French food will help to take the edge off of a wintery shopping spree. With small and medium plates available, Bistronomic is perfect for individual dining for sharing with friends. From the fancy cauliflower veloute to the familiar grilled cheese sandwich, sharing is caring. In the mood for a personal French experience? The whole Amish chicken is a savory success with accompanying mushroom ragout and lemon confit.
Bistronomic: 840 N Wabash Ave., Chicago, Illinois

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