Poor Phil's: a neighborhood bar and grill done right
Published: Jun 2, 2009
It’s not four-star fine dining, but when it comes to consistently great food and a relaxing atmosphere, few places in Chicago can top Poor Phil’s Bar & Grill. Friendly staff, free snacks, an ideal outdoor patio and a massive beer list make this comfy Oak Park eatery a clear stand-out.
Dark wood paneling, kitschy décor and televisions tuned to daily sporting events greet patrons at Poor Phil’s. Complimentary popcorn is served as guests pick from an impressive list of beers, with dozens of American and import drafts and bottles available daily.
If the endless free popcorn isn’t enough to whet the appetite, there’s an array of appetizers to choose from. Seafood favorites like fresh oysters, shrimp ceviche, garlic mussels and Cajun calamari are available, and standard bar favorites like chicken strips, onion straws and hot wings are also on hand.
Lunch crowds will appreciate the wide variety of tasty sandwiches, including po’ boys made with blackened catfish or fried shrimp. Barroom burgers mix with corned beef Reubens, grilled chicken sandwiches and BLT’s.
If in the mood for something a little different, there’s the crawdaddy etouffee, jambalaya and even shrimp Creole. Nearly every lunch item comes with your choice of side dish, with such standouts as creamed spinach, sautéed veggies or BBQ macaroni and cheese.
Dinners at Poor Phil’s highlight seafood, with snow crab legs, Maine lobster, shrimp pasta and seared tuna in addition to the lunch menu items. Desserts like turtle cheesecake compete with classic shakes, malts and sundaes, and are a terrific sweet treat at the end of a hearty meal.
While Poor Phil’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, its outdoor summer patio area really sets this bar and grill apart. Away from traffic, on a tree-lined street, it’s an ideal spot to relax with a cold drink, watch the world go by, and enjoy some delicious food. Really, that’s what a great neighborhood bar and grill is all about, and Poor Phil’s does it right.
- by D.J. Siegel, Chicago Reporter for HelloMetro
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