The Real Chicago

Top Menu

  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

Main Menu

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
Sign in / Join

Login

Welcome! Login in to your account
Lost your password?

Lost Password

Back to login
  • Home
  • E-newsletter
  • Contact

logo

Header Banner

The Real Chicago

  • Home
  • The Big City Blog
  • General Features
  • Around Town
    • First Look – Reviews
    • Hidden Gems
    • Inside Scoop
  • Eat. Drink. Shop.
    • Good Eats
    • Signature Dishes
    • A Round of Drinks
    • Shop Around the Corner
  • The Local Angle
    • Chicago Insider
    • The Local Corner
    • My Chicago
  • Interviews
  • Forum
  • Chicago’s hidden gems: Kiss Kiss Cabaret, Unabridged Bookstore, Lulu Belle’s Pancake House and TNT at The Annoyance

  • New on the scene: Recapping recent restaurant and bar openings in Chicago

  • The Big City Blog: A Chicago summer bucket list

  • Outdoor drinking: A guide to some of our favorite beer gardens and rooftops in Chicago

  • A day at the museum: Exploring the iconic Field Museum in Chicago

Chicago Insider
Home›featured-blogs›Chicago Insider›Chicago Insider John Barbaro on rooftop bars, Prime and Provisions and pouring beer at Tapster

Chicago Insider John Barbaro on rooftop bars, Prime and Provisions and pouring beer at Tapster

By TheRealChicagoOnline
July 1, 2018
1977
0
Share:

Prime and Provisions

John Barbaro

How long you’ve lived here: I’m a true Chicago boy of 30-plus years (my whole life). Born and raised on the south side (Bridgeport) and now live in the West Town area.

What you like best about Chicago: Cheesy (but true) answer: My friends and family all live here. Secondary answer: There is always something new to do and to eat. It’s not quite as fast-paced as the “New Yorks” of the world but, especially in the summertime, you can’t go more than a few blocks without coming across something new to do. Simultaneously, we can always fall back on fail-safe ideas like the lakefront path. Sure, it’s no “out in the country” type of thing, but it is nice to go from city boy to beach dweller in a matter of blocks.

Best meal you’ve had recently: Other than Mama Barbaro’s cooking? I had a delightful experience at Prime and Provisions. I am admittedly a steak kind of guy, so I was set up for success. But their sides and desserts were really fantastic. Side note: I am looking forward to visiting Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf soon.

Favorite big-name restaurant: I’m not sure this counts — and as the son of an immigrant Italian family, I am sure I’ll get a lot of flack for this — but I really love me some Lou Malnati’s pizza. I’ve also never had a bad burger from Small Cheval.

Favorite “hidden gem” restaurant: I’m also not sure this counts, but as a south sider I’ve always been a fan of Ricobene’s. They’ve gained some traction after having their famous breaded-steak sandwich formally reviewed, but I’ll still call it a hidden gem because most of my friends had never been prior to my introducing them.

Best sports bar to catch the game: This is not something I do frequently, oddly enough, but Old Town Pour House comes to mind — lots of space, plenty of TVs.

A great night out with friends usually includes… a focus more on good food, quality booze and activities more than just booze and partying. Games at Royal Palms? Perfect. Craft beer and dinner? Definitely. Wine and a fire pit? Fantastic. Whiskey and a cigar? I’ll probably be hungover, but why not?

Favorite store or best shopping area: I somewhat hate to admit it, but I’d have to say Nordstrom. Not only does it enable me to buy things like unnecessary shoes, but it also puts me in front of brands/products with which I have little to no familiarity. And what does that mean? I now own jeans I can’t afford.

Cindy’s

The best way to spend a summer  Saturday in the city: First thing’s first: I have to hit Windy City Strength & Conditioning. It’s become a morning ritual that effectively feeds my “cheat meal” habit. I don’t actually consider them cheat meals, but brunch is a Saturday-must. Follow that up with a stop at one of the local farmers markets, maybe a drink or two at an outdoor patio, and it seems that more often than not, I end up shopping for something somewhere. Do I need more shoes? Absolutely not. Do I regularly look for them? You better believe it. To round out a solid Saturday, you have to get dinner or at least visit a rooftop bar — Cabana Club, J. Parker, Cindy’s.

One thing every visitor must do here: Get a Chicago-style pizza. Actually, just eat your face off in general. Aside from food, do the touristy things: visit the bean, walk through Millennium Park, visit the Skydeck, hit up a museum.

Secret Chicago spot: Maybe Tapster in Wicker Park (or Navigator Taproom). Big fan of the new “pay by the ounce” model. Also, I oddly enjoy alcoholic kombucha.

Underrated activity in the city: Watching the Navy Pier or White Sox fireworks from a nearby balcony. I suppose not everyone can experience this regularly, but it’s totally worth taking a few minutes to not keep busy.

What’s one place you hear great things about but have yet to try? The RPM restaurants. Looking forward to trying them.

TagsBavette'sCabana ClubCindy's RooftopJ. ParkerLou Malnati'sMillennium ParkNavy PierNordstromOld Town Pour HousePrime and ProvisionsRoyal PalmsRPMSkydeckSmall ChevalTapsterThe Real ChicagoWindy City CrossfitWindy City Strength & Conditioning
Previous Article

Up to the challenge: Chicago firefighter Corey ...

Next Article

Inside Scoop: Millennium Park music and movies, ...

0
Shares
  • 0
  • +
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

TheRealChicagoOnline

Related articles More from author

  • General Features

    The Great Outdoors: We asked Chicagoans for some of their favorite outdoor venues to grab a bite or drinks this ...

    July 15, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • Chicago Insider

    Chicago Insider: Earl Clarkston on alfresco dining spots and the best margaritas in town

    June 8, 2011
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    Let’s chill: We’ve got a handful of unique spring date activities in Chicago

    February 22, 2018
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    Second-hand pages: A look at three of Chicago’s favorite used bookstores

    January 5, 2017
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • First Look - Reviews

    First Look review: Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s musical adaptation of “Sense & Sensibility” is witty, relatable, magical

    May 3, 2015
    By TheRealChicagoOnline
  • General Features

    Table for two: The Gold Coast Girl shares her favorite Chicago date-night dinner spots

    January 17, 2019
    By TheRealChicagoOnline

You might be interested

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Chicago’s best burgers: Everyone loves a good burger. Here are some of the city’s top options

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    No vegetarians allowed: Examining Chicago’s love affair with steak

  • Around TownGeneral Features

    Throwing strikes: Cure your craving to bowl at these fun locations

Originally launched in 2006, The Real Chicago — as a glossy entertainment magazine, website and email newsletter — has consistently provided the very best insider information, features and reviews to help both tourists and active locals get the most out of exploring the greatest city on Earth.
© Copyright The Real Chicago. All rights reserved.