Food/Drink: Par Lounge
Owned by two UIC grads, this laid-back, musically eclectic spot (funk/hip hop/rock/soul/disco) just exited its perpetual soft opening and brought in an ex-Alhambra Palace/Souk chef to punch up the menu. Starting Friday, small plates like braised lamb rib w/ pomegranate & date molasses and fried calamari w/ 7-spice blend & preserved lemon aioli draw influence from the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and North Africa -- close your eyes for a Pepsi Challenge of countries you've never visited.

Follow Us
Thrillist on Facebook