Places I've never been but been meaning to try...

Just thought I'd share a few of the restaurants(off the 'master' list on this site) that I've been meaning to go to in the hopes that maybe you guys could suggest some dishes and sway my dinner direction tonight

The Irish Rover
Le Gallo Rosso
Mojito
Oishii Sushi
Porcini
Sari Sari
True Thai
Volare
Z's Oyster Bar & Steakhouse
Zen Garden

...that's just a short list that I've been meaning to try but there are many more places I haven't been to. I should also mention that Havana Rumba is #1 on my list but it's always so crowded that I've never been able to get a table and since it's a Saturday night I figure why even bother...

i'll be of no use here, unfortunately. i have the same dilemma. i've been told to pick a place, any place, and we'll go. i don't know what to choose.

I should also add that I'll be dining alone, so a bar menu is a plus!

I should also add that I'll be dining alone, so a bar menu is a plus!

Try the Irish Rover. A great bar atmosphere, friendly bartenders, good beer and hearty food for a snowy evening. Their salmon is great if you're inclined that way. And their pub-style grub is perfect cold-weather comfort food. I'm partial to the cashel blue salad and the bangers and mash.

Irish Rover for a Scotch Egg and Cashel Salad, but the bar gets very crowded on a Saturday night with the seating wait. I'd go with Volare hands down for great bar atmosphere on a weekend night - scallops app is one of my favorites.

[Robin Garr]

I like all those places! I'm thinking the Irish Rover might be mighty cozy for a bar dinner on a blustery night, and maybe a little easier to get a seat at the bar than some of those hot spots. Bar dining at Volare is also a great option for a single.

I really do like Oishii Sushi, too ... and Il Gallo Rosso is getting really good reviews since it expanded - I need to get over and check it out.

There's really not a loser on the list, but some of the more popular places - Mojito, for instance - are more likely to be slammed on Saturday night.

Just thought I'd share a few of the restaurants(off the 'master' list on this site) that I've been meaning to go to in the hopes that maybe you guys could suggest some dishes and sway my dinner direction tonight


The Irish Rover
Le Gallo Rosso
Mojito
Oishii Sushi
Porcini
Sari Sari
True Thai
Volare
Z's Oyster Bar & Steakhouse
Zen Garden

...that's just a short list that I've been meaning to try but there are many more places I haven't been to. I should also mention that Havana Rumba is #1 on my list but it's always so crowded that I've never been able to get a table and since it's a Saturday night I figure why even bother...

Thanks guys, keep 'em comin!

The thread about where to eat on a cold night and the Rover immediately came to mind when I looked outside this morning.

Let's see.....this is my take on some of them.........

The Irish Rover--my go to is always the lamb cabbage rolls served with real mashed taters and a dark beer sauce. Can't go wrong with the soda bread they serve. The chocolate cake is awesome.

Porcini's-- they have a mussel pasta dish that is FANTASTIC. They usually have lobster raviolis that are fantastic. They have some of the best calamari around. The tiramisu is great.

True Thai -- pretty standard Thai food. Good. There are also gift certificates on restaurant.com for here!

I'd urge you to not give up on Havana Rhumba, as they do have a small bar with stools, and when we've been there and the restaurant is slammed I've often seen a free stool or two at the bar! Also, while Mojito's is more upscale, it has many similar dishes to Havana R., and also has a smallish bar with seating (stools).

Mojito is usually my go to place in the city. The wife and I had lunch there today and it was great as always. The do have a small bar that seats about 10 and there is a small tv that is usually playing sports.

I don't think you can go wrong with any of these choices. The huevo sandwich is on the sweet/breakfast side just ot let you know.

Tabla Chimichurri- Grilled skirt steak served with green chimichurri salsa and papitas fritas. 7.50

Fish Tacos- Breaded and pan friend grouper strips over corn tortilla topped with our homemade guacamole salsa fresco, sour cream, jalapenos, sliced red onions and fresco cilantro. 6.50

Pork Carnitas tacos- Small chunks of tender marinated pork over corn tortilla topped with our homemade guacamole, salsa fresco, sour cream, jalapenos, slices red onions and fresh cilantro.

Empanadas de Picadillo- Stuffed pastry shell with ground Angus beef cooked with cumin, tomatoes, oregano,raisins, olives, onions and bell peppers in a Creole wine sauce. Served with roasted piquillo cream. 5.50

Gambas al Ajillo- Plump shrimp sautéed with garlic, olive oil, guindilla peppers, lime juice, aioli and blue dog bread. $6.99

Hamburguesa Mojito’s- Black Angus beef, Spanish ground chorizo with lettuce, tomatoes confit and grilled onions. Topped with crispy fries, Serrano ham and swiss cheese. Served with housemade potato chips. $9.99

De Huevo- Organic fried egg topped with Manchego cheese, fig marmalade, crispy Spanish chorizo, avacadoes and baby frisse Serves with sweet potato fries. $7.99

But the cold blustery weather Bangers & Mash at the Irish Rover immediately came to mind! It is a filling and comforting meal. Bar seating shouldn't be a problem.

Why not double your effort... just head to that spot on Frankfort and you'll be within shot of Volare, Irish Rover, Sari Sari and Porcinis. I would go in that order for my own little reasons...

Yeah, with this weather, its Rover all the way. Bangers and Mash or Cottage Pie, and of course some Bailey's in your coffee!

But as Robin said, not a dog in that lot!

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the fish sandwich at the Irish Rover. Great sandwich. Even better if they have Boddingtons on tap.
As far as Porchinis... once upon a time they had a delightful angel hair, creamed pasta dish with anisette that was the bomb.
At Havana Rumba or Mojito , since I'm not well versed in Cuban food, I usually pick 2 different appetizers that I've never had before. Never been disappointed.
What fun homework you have ahead of you!