North Side Review: Five Star Bar & Grill

By Laura Oppenheimer in Food on Apr 19, 2007 7:30PM

"This place feels like Northside," we remarked to our dining companion as we sat down at the Five Star Bar & Grill on 1424 W. Chicago Ave. Despite the rock-and-roll-inspired decor (which was strangely matched with the weapons-inspired overhead lamps), we felt like we could have been dining on N. Damen — same frat-boy atmosphere, same mediocre selection of standard bar fare, and same feeling as we left of "did we really just spend $30 on sandwiches and a couple of beers for two?"

The menu at Five Star is pretty standard for a bar and grill — burgers with multiple variations (guacamole, bacon, grilled onions, etc.) and a selection of sandwiches. We tried the Sid & Nancy, a hefty sandwich of smoked turkey, muenster cheese and honey mustard on egg bread. We didn't have any real complaints about this sandwich, but then again, how hard is it to make a turkey and cheese sammie? The pulled pork sandwich featured pork with more of a barbecue sauce flavor than the traditional vinegar. Both sandwiches were served with mounds and mounds of French fries — seriously, enough French fries for at least two people came with each — and some stray pickle slices.

For drinks, we went with the draft beer, choosing the oh-so-safe Blue Moon for $5 a pint. It looks like we might have been better off going for something a little harder, as they offer several dozen bourbons. We think we might go back, if not for the bourbon, than for the specials. On Monday nights, mini-sandwiches are only $.50, with PBRs offered at an even $2 a can.

Five Star Bar & Grill is located at 1424 W. Chicago Ave; 312-850-2555. Monday-Friday, 4 p.m.-2 a.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-2 a.m.