Purple Line to the Moon
By Hanna Aronovich in Food on Mar 7, 2006 8:21PM
Chicagoist doesn’t venture much outside the city limits, but last night, we found ourselves way north, up in Evanston. With our stomachs rumbling, we stopped inside Prairie Moon (at 1502 Sherman Ave.), which bill itself as all-American dining. However, most of the menu items, as well as the interior décor, boast a Southwestern twist. 
The front room is the coziest, with burnt-orange walls, hanging lights and a pool table. Colorful travel posters decorate the walls. The actual bar, which sits in front of an exposed-brick wall, is nicknamed McCormick’s Bar. Sold by Ray McCormick, it came from an old Bridgeport tavern.
The middle room, a spacious dining room, is bright and airy with several light wood tables and desert-themed paintings against light yellow walls. The back room, the Roadhouse Bar, is louder and livelier, featuring another pool table, dartboards and the occasional live band. Colorful murals on aquamarine walls serve as the backdrop. In summertime, the Roadhouse Bar opens into an outdoor patio, perfect for cool drinks on warm evenings.
Prairie Moon takes reservations, but when Chicagoist stopped by around 7 p.m., the main dining room had plenty of open tables. The menu offers a lot in the way of choices, although it is heavy on the seafood entrees. Along with a selection of soups and salads, the menu is broken down into small plates and big plates. Sandwiches, burgers and steaks cater to heartier appetites, while appetizer-style plates are great for sharing or for a light meal. Bar staples including wings and cheese fries also make a menu appearance. Although we passed on drinks (Chicagoist’s underage brother was in tow, and we’re trying to set a good example), Prairie Moon offers premium beer, wine and martinis.
One of the most unique items from our meal was the New Mexican Painted Soup: a tri-colored, spicy puree of butternut squash, roasted tomato and poblano. Hankering for something sweet, we also ordered the Texas sheet cake. A true spot-hitter for chocolate lovers, this thick, dense chocolate cake was topped with rich icing, served warm with a scoop of ice cream on the side.
Just a Purple line ride away, Prairie Moon is a cheerful and friendly spot worth the short trip.