Of the fair amount of email that I receive through this site, the most common question or request is for BYOB information. Some people want a simple recommendation, some want a complete and unabridged list of every BYOB restaurant in Chicago. I used to think that if I had such a list, I'm sure I could sell it. Not a bad idea, and like most good ideas, someone else has thought of it first.

BYOB Chicago is a guidebook designed specifically around that idea. It cross-references it's list of about 150 restaurants by cuisine and by neighborhood (with maps). Each restaurant has a short description/review along with contact information and a series of icons that indicate whether the place has amenities like parking or if it's non-smoking, among others. The comprehensive list stands on it's own as a pretty good guide to small, ethnic, unassuming eateries across the city. I've found a few omissions (Irazu, Ed's Potsticker House), but not many.

There are also some sections in the book with more general information like BYOB etiquette, corkage information, and an examination of the origins behind Chicago's BYOB tradition. These sections are short and well worth the read.

I have two small bones to pick with this book, neither of which preclude my recommendation. First, it is peppered with advertisements for restaurants that appear in the listings (some contain coupons). Some people might enjoy this "yellow pages" aspect of the book, but I prefer my guidebooks to have an air of impartiality. Secondly, the reviews and descriptions of the restaurants are written very unevenly. Some are written in the voice of the restaurant's owner, some by a third-party. I would love to see this guide have a more consistent eye across all the listings.

I know very few people who don't enjoy visiting a BYOB, whether it's for the cost-savings or for the greater selection, Chicagoans love to bring their own. I was personally disappointed when Lula opened a bar, and even more disappointed when Lovitt announced their impending closing, but there's plenty more spots to explore.

Pick up a copy of BYOB Chicago at www.byob-chicago.com or at wherever you can find Chicago guidebooks. It's a key resource to have in this town.

EatChicago.net has no affiliation with the author or publisher of BYOB Chicago.

Thanks for the info.

BTW, your last link for www.byob-chicago.com has slurped up a bunch of its preceding text.

Posted by: James at June 21, 2005 10:41 AM

Thanks for the tip. I've repaired the entry.

Posted by: eatchicago at June 21, 2005 10:49 AM

for a free alternative byob roundup, check http://chicago.citysearch.com/roundup/37677/chicago/.html

Posted by: carol at June 22, 2005 4:46 PM

We've been working hard to update our BYO list at CenterstageChicago.com.

Check it out: http://centerstagechicago.com/restaurants/styles/byo.html -- BYO DINING GUIDE for Chicago.

We also have a regular contributor who checks out different BYOB spots and pairs it with a bottle of wine.

http://centerstagechicago.com/restaurants/articles/best-when-drunk.html

Posted by: Centerstage at December 5, 2005 2:10 PM

Hello all!

Went to dinner tonight at a newly opened (since Sept, 2006) Italian restaurant in Bucktown, Barcello (1647 Milwaukee Ave) and it is still BYOB (their liquor license is still pending). It is owned by the same partners as Sweets and Savories on Fullerton - east of Ashland Avenue.

Comments: pizzas are good, thin crust (but if you are a serious thin crust pizza eater like I am, let me know bec I know a chef who does it for friends and family) and the toppings were good; antipastos were also good esp the seafood platter; the pastas were OK. I never had or seen a Bolognese sauce with lemon. The gnocchi was fair. BUT the lasagna was quite tasty. The deal is, since they havent gotten their liquor license yet, it is a good place to dine.

As far as the decor, the walls are soothing orange and they play Italian radio station (probably XM)
which was a bit loud initially but they toned it down after we requested it. The space is confortable with approximately 15 - 20 tables.

In summary, it has a lot of potential, the food is OK to good and it is BYOB.

Enjoy!

Posted by: Jose-Mari at October 23, 2006 10:04 PM