Kitsch'n River North: Good, Cheap Eats

One of the drawbacks of living in the River West / River North area is the lack of "neighborhoodiness", if you will. When I previously resided in Lakeview, a multitude of various restaurants were conveniently placed within a 2 block radius of my abode, ranging in price and cuisine. In our current neighborhood, there are a few restaurants, but not nearly as many, that satisfy a last minute night out. Kitsch'n has become one of those standbys.

We were both exhausted last Friday, having put in long days before leaving on a brief vacation Saturday morning. In no mood to cook (I know - shocking!), I suggested Kitsch'n - the weather was perfect for an al fresco evening, and the walk was short.

Kitsch'n is the sister to the original Kitsch'n on Roscoe up north. Decorated in the requisite retro kitschy dressings, the "diner" is a favorite spot for locals for breakfast. Surprisingly, the dinner crowd is almost non-existent, which makes me worry for their future, but is great for walking in and sitting down immediately! We did just that, staking out a spot on the patio.

Josh ordered their ongoing beer special, a must for any budget-watcher: the anytime, anyday $1 PBR can. Sure - it's nothing fancy, but Josh finds it's a deal not worth passing up! I, on the other hand, selected a glass of Santa Maria Sauvignon Blanc from their short - but very comprehensive - wine list.

We were starving, so we went right to entrees, and skipped the appetizers. You, on the other hand, might want to taste their Deluxe Nachos (with herb chips and mango salsa, $5.99), or their Wings Trio (bbq, Thai spicy, and buffalo, $7.99) to start. For us, Josh chose the Steak Sandwich (grilled, marinated sirloin on a pretzel loaf, $8.99) while I chose the TexMex Veggie Burger (one of the best I've tried, $7.99). Other favorites of ours include the pot pies (there are three varieties, but the Mushroom Duxelle really shines, $8.99) and the Grilled Falafel Sandwich (very moist and stuffed, $7.99). For dessert, you've got to go with the Chocolate Brownie Batter ($5.00). Yes - batter (although, eggless for safety!), in a bowl. Could there be anything more decadent?!

There's nothing fancy about Kitsch'n. But if you want to eat some good, slightly creative food, without a long wait in a pleasantly funky environment, it's the place for you.

Kitsch'n River North (http://www.kitschnchicago.com/)

600 W. Chicago Ave. (312) 644-1500

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday

Average dinner entree: between $8-15
Rating: 4 stars
My rating system:
* - Not worth your $.** - Fair, but pretty mediocre.
*** - Good, not great.
**** - Fantastic - definitely try it.
***** - The best.