Little Bad Wolf – Andersonville, Chicago

Little Bad Wolf is the type of neighborhood bar/restaurant that is a “perfect for” spot. It’s cozy with communal wooden tables yet cool with wolf artwork and teal button tufted back booth –– along with the great vibe, music, food and cocktails make LBW perfect for:

Casual drink at the bar
First/casual date
First meeting place for a drink/bite before going out
Dinner with a couple of friends
Small plates
Late night bite

Have a peek inside:

A thoughtful cocktail and beer menu –– hello to my first taste of alcoholic root beer. I spied a “19.5%” on the menu just as our server was walking by and she asked if I wanted a sample. Sure, why not? It tasted impossibly sweet and is a good option for dessert. However, at 19.5% drinking a whole pint might be a bit much. My sample glass was plenty. (Small Town Brewery’s “Not Your Fathers Root Beer “19.5% –– on draft in the Chicagoland area only)

Little Bad Wolf is known for their burgers and I will definitely try one on my next visit. You can order tacos and baos individually so it is easy to try a variety of food. I feel in love with the pork bao – Japanese BBQ, pickled carrot, daikon on a delightfully fluffy and spongy bun. You might as well order more than one because that’s what’s going to happen anyway.

Fish taco with lightly fried tilapia, chile aioli, corn salsa and salsa verde is another solid choice. Fresh salsa and corn tortilla give the taco a nice flavor.

On the salad front, the grilled hearts of romaine with tomatoes, fresh corn, gorgonzola house vinaigrette and a while balsamic reduction is a very satisfying salad –– good for sharing or as entrée if you are going meat-free.

Mac and cheese is tasty with the honey cured bacon and toasted bread crumbs giving an already delicious dish an interesting layer of flavor and texture.

They do not take reservations and there is limited seating so plan on arriving early or hanging out at the bar until a table is ready. It will be worth the wait.