Do This - Petterino's 7 After 7

By Anthony Todd in Food on Oct 20, 2010 7:40PM

Finding food in the loop after dark can be a challenge. Usually it's terrible, overpriced or both - or, the restaurant closes at 6 PM once the businesspeople go home. We were surprised to stumble upon a fairly awesome deal at Petterino's that seems custom-made to fit that gap.

If you dine at Petterino's after 7, any day of the week, you can order from a special menu. The menu includes seven choices of appetizer, entree and dessert, and the three-course meal costs $19.99. You won't find enormous steaks and lobsters on this menu, but there are a number of respectable options. The Fritzel Salad, with deviled egg, avocado and hearts of palm, was large and decadent, and we have to return to try their corn chowder. Entrees include a char-broiled black angus New York strip, chicken meatballs and an herb-marinated whitefish with broiled tomato. Keep it simple - for dessert, order the Creme Brulee. Add in one of their excellent (and large) cocktails, and the price will only be $30. If you don't have a reservation and the restaurant is full, the menu is served in the bar.

Petterino's is located at 150 North Dearborn Street.