www.xocochicago.com http://www.xocochicago.com Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 en hourly 1 How To Make A Last Minute Dining Reservation http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/02/15/how-to-make-a-last-minute-dining-reservation/ http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/02/15/how-to-make-a-last-minute-dining-reservation/#comments Wed, 15 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.xocochicago.com/&p=14 When it comes to dining out, it is often a time where people can enjoy getting out of the house and eat a good meal without having to clean up. Though some restaurants always have tables available, some are always packed and often need reservations.

If you’ve decided you’d like to go out to dinner, but you need to make a last minute dining reservation, here are some ways you can go about doing so:

Call up: It’s very helpful to have of your favorite dining places programmed in your phone. So, for example, if you’re driving around and you’d like to make a reservation before you get there; call them by finding their number in your contacts list.

Hop online: If you haven’t left the house yet, you can sometimes make a reservation by going to their website online and submitting when you’d like to eat.

Use your phone: If you have a smart phone you’re in luck. You can hop on their website and make a reservation through their website or through some of the helpful applications that are available on your phone.

As you can see, there are some great ways to make a last minute dining reservation.

]]> http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/02/15/how-to-make-a-last-minute-dining-reservation/feed/ 0 Where To Find Coupons To Local Restaurants http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/02/01/where-to-find-coupons-to-local-restaurants/ http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/02/01/where-to-find-coupons-to-local-restaurants/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.xocochicago.com/&p=13 There are so many great local restaurants that trying them all could get costly. There are some great ways you could try them without breaking the bank. Often in your local pennysaver or weekend paper you can find coupons to many local establishments. Most of the time these coupons will be a buy one entree get a second entree at half price. If you use these for a lunch time meal you could really save alot.
A great way to get coupons to your local restaurants is to check out their website. See if they have any printable coupons on their site or if they offer a mailing list for coupons, this way you don’t even have to work for them, they will just mail them to your door.
Today, thanks to the internet, there are alot of great ways to save money on going out. One great way is by checking out Groupon. You can catch half price gift certificates to many local restaurants and establishments. You can also sign up for coupon mailings from places such as Valpak. Valpak mails out an envelope full of coupons for local restaurants and services in one big envelope.
There are many ways you can find coupons for local restaurants. Online search engines, coupon trading sites, but the best way is just phone up the restaurant and ask. Bon apetite!

]]> http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/02/01/where-to-find-coupons-to-local-restaurants/feed/ 0 The Best Cafe To Read A Book http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/01/18/the-best-cafe-to-read-a-book/ http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/01/18/the-best-cafe-to-read-a-book/#comments Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.xocochicago.com/&p=12 If you are looking for a nice, quiet place to read a book while you enjoy a light meal, there are plenty of cafes in Chicago and other big cities that will serve your purpose. Some of them are described below.

The Corner Bakery Cafe has been rated by Parents magazine (July 2009 issue) as “one of the ten best fast- casual restaurants in America;” so it should definitely be first on our list. It started out as a small bread bakery that soon expanded to include other products. The food is both wholesome and delicious. Currently, they are holding a Guest Satisfaction Survey, where one can win 5,000.

The Grand Lux Cafe was founded by one who had travelled all over Europe looking for ideas for a small, casual restaurant. Recipes here come from all over the world, from Cajun shrimp & chicken jambalaya to Mediterranean mahi mahi to jalapeo cheese cornbread, and the design is ornate; yet the cafe has a relaxed atmosphere.

Cafe Iberico is a “tapas bar” (tapas are small portions of food); its specialty is the cuisine of Spain. Prices are among the most affordable in town; each “tapa” costs from 2 to 7. The four rooms here include a “Sala Medieval” where the walls are decorated much like those of medieval Spanish Muslim fortresses (and a steering wheel), and a “Bar Picoteco.” Some menu items: salada mixta, tortilla espaola (the Spanish tortilla is essentially an omelette, unlike the Mexican tortilla), and a soup called calda gallego. Hispanic Magazine called Cafe Iberico “the best Hispanic restaurant in Illinois.”

Bridgeport Coffeehouse, on the South Side of the city, is less than ten years old (founded in 2004), but it has gained a good reputation for its flavorful coffees and teas. It was once a storefront.

]]> http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/01/18/the-best-cafe-to-read-a-book/feed/ 0 Don’t Touch These Businesses http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/01/14/dont-touch-these-businesses/ http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/01/14/dont-touch-these-businesses/#comments Sat, 14 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.xocochicago.com/?p=11 Thinking of starting your own Chicago restaurant? Whether you’re at the “smallbusiness.xo.com” stage or you’re planning menus you’re going to have a lot of competition. Here are a few areas we suggest you stay out of – you can never win.
Chicago Dogs: You think hot dogs are a great idea – they’re cheap, easy to make and you can sell in volume. Think again. The hot dog market here is totally saturated and you can’t do anything other restaurants aren’t already doing. Think burgers instead.
Pizza: Do we even have to tell you why this isn’t a winning strategy? The deep dish fan base is totally satisfied and don’t think something fru fru or New York style is going to take off here because there aren’t a lot of options. Stay out of the pizza business altogether.
Steak Sandwiches: If you think Philly is the only place with steak sandwiches, think again. Chicagoans love their jardinire and thinly sliced beef but they’ve got it down pat. If you haven’t been in business for over 100 years you’re not going to make a rippe.

]]> http://www.xocochicago.com/2012/01/14/dont-touch-these-businesses/feed/ 0 Which Cafe Has The Best Latte http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/09/04/which-cafe-has-the-best-latte/ http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/09/04/which-cafe-has-the-best-latte/#comments Sun, 04 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.xocochicago.com/&p=10 Grabbing a latte can actually turn into an event. It-s not just about getting a drink because it could be the encounter of a lifetime. Many first dates have occurred over a casual latte at the local cafe. That being said, finding just the right place can be tricky. Sure a latte can be found just about anywhere these days, but a great one is a gem. You-ll want to find a caf that understand and honors the beauty of a well-made latte. You will know you have the right place when you look at a menu. If they don-t have a menu then you won-t find the best latte there. If you can-t make have your latte made to order, according to your own specifications, then you may find a good latte there but it will not be the best. Caf-s with many options are your best bet and if you can instruct them as to how you want it made even better. The key to finding the best caf doesn-t end there. You also want to find a place with the right ambiance, this is a big key. If you find a caf that offers great music, a wonderful crowd, made to order latte at a comfortable rate then you have found the best caf.

]]> http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/09/04/which-cafe-has-the-best-latte/feed/ 0 How To Save Money While Dining Out http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/09/02/how-to-save-money-while-dining-out/ http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/09/02/how-to-save-money-while-dining-out/#comments Fri, 02 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.xocochicago.com/&p=9 Dining out is a great way to spend time with family and friends, but it is also very expensive. The price of going out to eat has increased drastically in the last few years. Fortunately, there are ways that people can save money when dining out. Dining during lunch hours, ordering water and splitting meals are a few things that people can do to save money when dining out.

Most restaurants offer discounts on meals during lunch hours. It may be inconvenient to eat during the lunch hours, but it is a great way to save a few dollars on one’s meal. Ordering water is another way that people can save money when dining out. Tea and soft drinks can costs over 2.00. If there are four people, one can end up spending 8.00 on drinks alone. Most restaurants offer water free of charge, so people should consider taking advantage of that.

Most of the expensive meals are large enough for two people to share. Sharing a meal is a great way to save money when dining out. For example, if two people share a meal that costs 25.00 instead of buying an individual meal, the both can save 25.00.

]]> http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/09/02/how-to-save-money-while-dining-out/feed/ 0 Top 5 Sports Bars To Watch The Game http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/08/29/top-5-sports-bars-to-watch-the-game/ http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/08/29/top-5-sports-bars-to-watch-the-game/#comments Mon, 29 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.xocochicago.com/&p=8 Chicago has some of the greatest sports in all of America. It is also home to some of the greatest sports bars to watch those sports as well. Here is guide to what many believe are the greatest in all of Chicago.

Murphy’s Bleachers is one of the best and maybe the most unique sports bar. The roof top seating with Wrigley field as your view is one reason to love this sports bar. The walls are filled with memorabilia and the drinks are some of the best in the city.

The next sports bar that has become a part of Chicago nightlife is called Sluggers. This bar of course features some great drink specials and offers free pool every Thursday night.

The Schoolyard Tavern has long been a favorite of Chicago sports fans. While watching the game you can enjoy one of sixteen draft beers and enjoy the greatest grilled cheese sandwich on the planet.

One of the best sports bar to keep an eye on every game is gamekeepers Tavern and grill. They have an amazing 35 televisions that keep you up on baseball, NASCAR, football, basketball, and hockey. Live music is also a fantastic part of this tavern.

If you love darts, shuffleboard, and poker then Raven’s is your place. You can enjoy all of this and at the same time you can stay updated on all your favorite teams.

]]> http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/08/29/top-5-sports-bars-to-watch-the-game/feed/ 0 Top 5 Bars For Girls Night Out http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/08/25/top-5-bars-for-girls-night-out/ http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/08/25/top-5-bars-for-girls-night-out/#comments Thu, 25 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000 admin http://www.xocochicago.com/&p=7 Top 5 Bars For Girl’s Night Out

When spending the night with girlfriends, one might want to experience the night life. The perfect place for a ‘girl’s night out’ varies between different bars. Chicago’s bar scene is exciting, and often extremely fun. Maria-s Packaged Goods & Community Bar is often filled with social persons, and exciting drinks. Nestled in Chicago for nearly 25 years, one may consider Maria-s Packaged Goods & Community Bar to be a vision of excitement. A second common bar for a girl’s night out is called Sheffield-s. This comfy bar is cornered on lake view, and it’s vast taps keep customers crowding. With over fifty different drinks on tap Sheffield-s is very popular in Chicago. Another popular bar is The Bluebird. The Bluebird is more of a classy wine bar, and requires nice dress, as well as full wallets. Women would easily find this bar attractive, as well as classy. Following in popularity comes Fountainhead. Fountainhead is a very popular bar for it’s inexpensive drinks, and exciting atmosphere. Lastly, Owen & Engine is an English pub. The authentic surroundings, decorations, and ethnic drinks names this bar one of the most adorned. Having a girl’s night out in Chicago can be fantastic, if aware of the best bars.

]]> http://www.xocochicago.com/2011/08/25/top-5-bars-for-girls-night-out/feed/ 0