Prairie Moon: American food with flair
Countless bar/restaurants in Chicago serve quality food at a good price, but few do it with such flair as Prairie Moon. Located in the north suburb of Evanston, this eatery churns out all American dishes with a twist, in an artistic space complete with charm and style.
A large wood bar stretching along one large wall greets visitors and is an ideal spot to grab a drink and watch a game. But those looking for a finer dining experience can head straight through to the main dining area. Large colorful paintings dot the rooms, and big windows leading to the open-air patio bring the outdoors in.
It's tough to pick just one item off the menu here. American classics like burgers and grinders mix with decidedly Southern, Southwestern and even Asian dishes for an international food fiesta.
The New Mexican Painted Soup (a combo of roasted tomato, poblano and butternut squash) is a must try, and salads like coconut panko shrimp or blue crab cake elevate greens to new heights. Lunch plates like cedar planked salmon, pine nut and sage skillet trout and hibachi tofu are terrific alternatives to standard bar fare.
Burgers are cooked to perfection, po' boys are not to be missed, and roasted turkey sandwiches are tender and juicy.
The dinner menu at Prairie Moon adds more options, like small plate appetizers of ceviche, calamari and spring rolls. Big plates include ahi, molcajete steak, chicken marsala, crawfish etouffee, ponzu shrimp and pan seared pork tenderloin.
Sunday brunch fans will also be well served, with options like smoked salmon omelettes, Cajun scrambles, bananas foster French toast, and even mango mimosas. Brunch and lunch prices are a steal, averaging about $9 for an entrée — but dinners can run double that, depending on the order.
Considering the quality and size of the dishes, it's always money well spent. Every diner leaves satisfied thanks to gratis chocolate chip cookies at the bar. Grab one or two on your way out, and you'll already be planning your next trip back to Prairie Moon.
Posted by D.J. Siegel
