With last week's entrance of Green Zebra to West Chicago Avenue, West Town is quickly becoming a dining destination.
If you can't get a table at Green Zebra, or if you're like me and would prefer to wait a couple months, I highly recommend moving a couple blocks east to West Town Tavern. WTT is the creation of Susan and Drew Goss, famous for River North's Zinfandel.
WTT specializes in what I would consider american bistro comfort food. The menu, with simple tiles like "Salad 1", "Salad 2", "Pot Roast", and "Pork Chop", lends to the neighborhood tavern feel. Once served, you'll quickly see that the food is well beyond typical comfort food.
There are two dishes that stand out in my mind. First, the pot roast, which I believe was so popular at Zinfandel that they brought it to WTT. It's wine-braised, succulent, and served with garlic mashed potatoes. Second, and most important in my mind, is the duck leg confit. This duck leg may be the only perfect duck confit I've ever had. It is served with mashed parsnips and carmelized shallots, both of which match the duck perfectly.WTT has a very interesting wine list (divided into "New World" and "Old World"), with a very knowledgable staff to help you choose.
My favorite thing about WTT is that in spite of its popularity, WTT remains unpretentious and relaxed. The atmosphere is very comfortable. The food never disappoints and I always leave happy.
Get the duck. Seriously.
Reservations are probably a good idea, but I've walked in without them and waited a few minutes at the bar. Street parking is possible.
Check out West Town Tavern at 1329 West Chicago Ave., 312-666-6175.
You can see the whole menu and more at their website www.westtowntavern.com/.
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