Most
of us started hearing the term "B-Y-O-B" in college. It can mean many
things -- mostly bring your own beer or bottle or, of course, booze.
And now as adults, the term seems to be gaining more popularity. Many
restaurants throughout our city do not have liquor licenses and that
is actually a good thing. Doug Banks shows us a few spots where you
can enjoy a nice meal without breaking the bank.
Hundreds of restaurants in Chicago are BYOB. For one reason or
another, these spots do not have a liquor license and therefore
can NOT serve alcohol. Author and publisher, Jean Iversen pounded
the pavement to document these establishments in her guide: B-Y-O-B
Chicago.
"There is a huge cult following in Chicago of BYOB consumers.
Something that's been around for awhile and it's only getting bigger,"
said Jean Iverson.
A trip to a BYOB does require a trip to a liquor store -- that
is if you're drinking of course.
The corner of Irving Park and Sheridan Road in Lakeview offers
a plethora of BYOBs. Here you can take your pick: Mexican, Japanese,
Italian, French or Thai. And the benefit to the consumer is -- you
can drink exactly what you want at a reasonable price.
"I mean imagine a restaurant that always has a stash of your favorite
wine or vodka or beer-like your dream restaurant. In this case you
are bringing exactly what you want to drink. Not only that, but
it also saves money. Think of the last time you went to a rest and
ordered a glass of wine. There was a 500% markup on that glass of
wine," said Jean.
Vicky Medina, 29, opened the mostly Mexican "Caliente" two years
ago and loves being a BYOB.
"BYOB is great for the hood. It's great for people who can't necessarily
afford that $8 cocktail downtown. They get to bring in their own
mixers or liquor shots. Whatever they bring in, we open it up for
them," said Medina.
Many of us have heard that it isn't easy to obtain a liquor license
in Chicago. Because of this many restaurants have opened without
it while they wait for approval or just decide to forego it altogether.
In Chicago, there are many barriers to receiving a liquor license.
"It can be a hassle if you don't have support of your alderman
to get that LL. Or perhaps your alderman does not have a good relationship
with the city than it is very hard or nearly impossible to get that
license. The city also has ordinances that prevent you from obtaining
a LL. If you're within 100 feet of a school or church or nursing
home or even a library. So those are some of the obstacles.," said
Jean.
"The obvious disadvantage as a rest owner it's hard. Liquor brings
in an incredible amt of sales and it's very low labor, but it's
okay for right now. Since it's my first restaurant I just want to
take things slow. It helps me focus on the food," said Vicky.
Right across the street from Caliente is the neighborhood sushi
joint. Katachi is a small, cozy spot offering up the latest rolls
and sashimi and bringing in your own drinks certainly helps lower
your bill.
Down the street there are a few more spots. The new Pizza Rustica
serves up authentic Italian dishes like oven-fired pizza and authentic
pasta dishes.
T-A-C Quick Thai just expanded and doesn't look like your standard
store front Thai joint. This place has a hip modern vibe.
"We drink wine a lot. And we prefer bringing our own wines b/c
we are going to have much better wines than what they are serving
at the rest and we're not going to feel ; if we're gonna to spend
50 or 75 $ on a bottle of wine, we want to have a 50 or 75 $ bottle
of wine. We don't want a 15$ bottle that we are having the privilege
of paying 50 for. So we bring our wines and it's better all around,"
said Stephen Stillman.
On Western Avenue in Bucktown you can find Think, a more fine-dining
BYOB. Omar Rodriguez has been in this spot for 4 years and has developed
quite a following. This half Brazilian, half Mexican, half Jewish
chef -- ironically serves mostly Italian inspired dishes at his
white linen restaurant.
"Simple reason. I'll handle the food, you handle what you want
to drink. Nobody offered the whole fine white table clothes nice
experience in the BYOB area and you can have linen, nice glasses,
full service knowledgeable waiters-nobody offered it," said Omar
Rodriguez.
"I like a rest that focuses on the food and not their bar tab
and I don't drink so it's perfect so I don't feel pressured that
I have to have an aperitif or cocktail," said Xviara Owens.
One thing to know when going BYOB-you will likely get charged
what is called a 'corkage fee.' This can range from 2- 5 dollars
and covers the cost of stemware and other items involved in serving
alcoholic drinks.
"I've been into a restaurants-they lay the cork down and that's
the end of it. I've been to others where they, without asking, they
will open up your bottle of wine. Will chill it for you. They refill
your glasses or they put your 6 pack in the fridge and get you a
fresh beer when yours is empty. So it really is across the board,"
said Jean.
So next time you dine out maybe try one of your local BYOBs. Bring
your favorite wine or beer and then you can even splurge on a fabulous
dessert knowing you're not busting your budget -- just maybe your
gut.
Of course, since the book was published dozens of new BYOB restaurants
have opened and Jean plans a new edition in the near future.
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