The Brass Monkey

If I were judging based on food and beverage alone, this would be a 5 star review without a doubt. The Sloppy Sliders, Meatballs, and Fish Styx are all incredible and flavorful and pairing the three together to split between two is a great 'appetizer as dinner' option. What wasn't impressive was the staff and service. We arrived about ten minutes early and got snarked at by the hostess for being early. The bartender had no ID checking etiquette and accused me of having a fake ID. And our server brought out the wrong dessert and rushed away from the table before we could ask for what we ordered. I might try again after a few more months when things calm down and they lose their attitude.

Outstanding atmosphere with great drinks, food & service. I went to check out the Brass Monkey mostly to see how their bar holds up (even though they're not in the Chicago Bar Bracket), and was not disappointed with a wide range of custom craft cocktails, plus a couple of classic 70's throwbacks like the Harvey Wallbanger. The theme of the restaurant is inspired by the 70's, but it's not overwhelming. The same can be said of their food - they want it to be inspired by the 70's (a decade they admit wasn't the best for American Cuisine), but they make the food fun and execute it well rather than making sacrifices or giving up their identity. I highly recommend the Porkchop & trying the Bananas Foster Pudding. Also, the fact that they have a "TV Dinner" on the menu that comes in a tray shaped like a TV Dinner makes it even better. The place did not disappoint & I'll definitely be back to try the Tang. If you want to read a more in depth review, feel free to checkout more at the Chicago Bar Bracket site.