I am going to skip this place as I remember it growing up. We lived down the street, about 3 blocks away. Dad had his medical office which is soon to be a bar for people who want to get drunk. Mr. and Mrs. Klein, is where Mom bought my shoes, Mrs. Klein sold fabric and sewing things in the basement. Mr. Klein would take me down the back stairs to select comic books he had purchased to give kids like me. It was a nice , place. Next door was The Bean Bowl where my brother, Dan, hung out after school and then there was Chucks on the other side.
Much like Thomas Wolfe wrote "You can't go home again." is how I feel about going there. It isn't the same, the Kleins with their warmth and desire to help isn't happening. And I see my father's medical office at 515 Euclid, where he saved lives , I would go at nights and weekends for a quiet place to study is also a bar, not healing the body but pouring in stuff that will mess someone up. It is nice to see the buildings repurposed, but alas not an eatery such as the Highland Park Country Club over in the post office building, or the HiHo with Mr. Donavan's homemade pies for dessert, after a chocolate malt, french fries and an egg salad sandwich with mom sitting across from me asking about how things were going.
Tom Wolfe was right, the places are memories of a better time than the present, not a place to get healed or clothed, but as they are today. I wonder if in 10, 20 or even 30 years, the same feeling of memory of the new places will feel the same
This is so beautiful! Thank you for this. I couldn't agree more that something immense has been lost. A bar is not the department store where the owner gives comic books to neighborhood kids; a revitalized entertainment district is not a village-within-the-city where you visit your doctor and go to a diner with your mother for an egg salad sandwich, malt, and pie.
I was hoping I would hear from someone who remembered Klein's; living on the other side of town, we never went there. But the kind of connections you describe were alive and well over here on the west side. Have you read my book, "Love Is My Favorite Flavor"? It's all about the connections we've lost--exactly as you describe-- especially in the restaurant scene, but in other ways to. Reading what you've written above, I think it would resonate with you. I'll be in touch with you....
For me, both things can be true. I can appreciate the good times that Highland Underground are trying to bring to the area, but I can also truly feel a huge sadness as I recognize that what once was is no more. Your note makes me feel that loss more clearly. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.
Always glad to hear about creative and complex mocktails! (That might be a post for when you're in a bit of a rut with finding places to rave about — especially with a focus on the widest variety and/or best prices.)
Yes! I really enjoy a good mocktail. In fact, I'm surprised at how I can actually get a little lift (not a buzz, by any means), when I drink one. They do feel celebratory! I'll keep an eye out, especially since I'm drinking much, much less these days.
It is in a basement. Is there an elevator? I hope so, it sounds like a festive trip down memory lane! Thanks for your impressions. It is in the neighborhood!!!
An additional follow-up. Another owner., Jaime, responded to my inquiry this morning. He was very kind and punctual and was very sincere - yes, they are working on it and he understands. My question to him was how do they receive an operator's license, considering the ADA? His answer was a bit more vague, explaining their restrooms are ADA compliant. Oh well, I thought I would ask and I wish them the very best!!! Celebrate these creative ventures and thank you for your follow-up.
Hey! I'm one of the owners. Because our building was built long before modern accessibility standards, it’s considered an existing facility under ADA rules.
In some older buildings like this one, installing a full elevator can be cost-prohibitive or structurally unrealistic, and the ADA takes that into account. Hence why there hasn't been one added to this building. Any new work we did, like updating bathrooms, has to meet current ADA standards, FYI.
That said, we want our space to be welcome to everyone. We’re working on installing a stair lift. Once that’s ready to go, we’ll let folks know. Cheers!
Grew up near corner of Oxford & Madison, on the Oak Park side of the street, it was the divide line with Madison school. We could see the Katz Drugstore sign from the kitchen window.
My friend and I went to the soft opening as well (we must've just missed each other, Wini!). As someone who came of age in the 1970s, I also loved the furnishings, decor and overall vibe/atmosphere (that cool atmosphere extends to the Highland Park neighborhood). Drinks were fine. But the fondue was a big disappointment--very expensive for what you get, which isn't much and is mediocre at best. I just didn't see the value. As I generally like to have a bite when I have cocktails, I hope the owners consider expanding the menu a bit.
Thank you for the report! Readers will really appreciate knowing this. I think they'd do better to simply offer other yearned-for classics of the time: cheese balls, salamis (a la Hickory Farms, NOT charcuterie!) crackers, deviled eggs, maybe a few cold "canapes" on those mini rye breads. Really simple stuff that they could put in the fridge and bring out when people order it.
If they really wanted to do something hot, they could do little smokies and such.
Fondue is pretty one-dimensional and not for everyone. It's not something you want once a week or even once a month--yet I could see going to The Underground quite often...if I knew I could get a good nibble with my drink.
Super ideas for menu additions, Wini. Not only tasty but fun to eat. I think Highland Underground-goers would, well, eat 'em up.
Thanks for the terrific preview! I'm anxious to get there, although I fear my collection habit of that era's collectibles will erupt again. Oh well, nothing a couple of good drinks can't help.
Oh! And parking. Suggestions? The neighborhood was come alive and finding parking can be frustrating.
Ha! Parking suggestions. Didn't even consider that, as I went at 5 p.m. Well..you're right. That could be a consideration. But pretend you're in NYC and rejoice when you have to park only three blocks away and it's FREE! LOL.
I'll ask one of the principals and get back to you, Andy, as it's a great question.
Hey! One of the owners here. One thing I'd say in our defense is that the soft open period is for training staff, and refining the menu and operations. Perhaps try us again now that we're open to the public. Thanks for stopping by though.
We also appreciate Wini's take on our space! Cheers!
I am going to skip this place as I remember it growing up. We lived down the street, about 3 blocks away. Dad had his medical office which is soon to be a bar for people who want to get drunk. Mr. and Mrs. Klein, is where Mom bought my shoes, Mrs. Klein sold fabric and sewing things in the basement. Mr. Klein would take me down the back stairs to select comic books he had purchased to give kids like me. It was a nice , place. Next door was The Bean Bowl where my brother, Dan, hung out after school and then there was Chucks on the other side.
Much like Thomas Wolfe wrote "You can't go home again." is how I feel about going there. It isn't the same, the Kleins with their warmth and desire to help isn't happening. And I see my father's medical office at 515 Euclid, where he saved lives , I would go at nights and weekends for a quiet place to study is also a bar, not healing the body but pouring in stuff that will mess someone up. It is nice to see the buildings repurposed, but alas not an eatery such as the Highland Park Country Club over in the post office building, or the HiHo with Mr. Donavan's homemade pies for dessert, after a chocolate malt, french fries and an egg salad sandwich with mom sitting across from me asking about how things were going.
Tom Wolfe was right, the places are memories of a better time than the present, not a place to get healed or clothed, but as they are today. I wonder if in 10, 20 or even 30 years, the same feeling of memory of the new places will feel the same
This is so beautiful! Thank you for this. I couldn't agree more that something immense has been lost. A bar is not the department store where the owner gives comic books to neighborhood kids; a revitalized entertainment district is not a village-within-the-city where you visit your doctor and go to a diner with your mother for an egg salad sandwich, malt, and pie.
I was hoping I would hear from someone who remembered Klein's; living on the other side of town, we never went there. But the kind of connections you describe were alive and well over here on the west side. Have you read my book, "Love Is My Favorite Flavor"? It's all about the connections we've lost--exactly as you describe-- especially in the restaurant scene, but in other ways to. Reading what you've written above, I think it would resonate with you. I'll be in touch with you....
For me, both things can be true. I can appreciate the good times that Highland Underground are trying to bring to the area, but I can also truly feel a huge sadness as I recognize that what once was is no more. Your note makes me feel that loss more clearly. Thank you, truly, from the bottom of my heart.
Always glad to hear about creative and complex mocktails! (That might be a post for when you're in a bit of a rut with finding places to rave about — especially with a focus on the widest variety and/or best prices.)
Yes! I really enjoy a good mocktail. In fact, I'm surprised at how I can actually get a little lift (not a buzz, by any means), when I drink one. They do feel celebratory! I'll keep an eye out, especially since I'm drinking much, much less these days.
Suddenly I want to listen to 70s music and have a sloe gin fizz.
It is in a basement. Is there an elevator? I hope so, it sounds like a festive trip down memory lane! Thanks for your impressions. It is in the neighborhood!!!
I reached out and got a quick response from partner Sam Hoyle. He said:
"The building does not have an elevator. We're working on adding a stair lift to help folks navigate the stairs."
Let's hope they do this soon! Thanks for asking!
An additional follow-up. Another owner., Jaime, responded to my inquiry this morning. He was very kind and punctual and was very sincere - yes, they are working on it and he understands. My question to him was how do they receive an operator's license, considering the ADA? His answer was a bit more vague, explaining their restrooms are ADA compliant. Oh well, I thought I would ask and I wish them the very best!!! Celebrate these creative ventures and thank you for your follow-up.
Hey! I'm one of the owners. Because our building was built long before modern accessibility standards, it’s considered an existing facility under ADA rules.
In some older buildings like this one, installing a full elevator can be cost-prohibitive or structurally unrealistic, and the ADA takes that into account. Hence why there hasn't been one added to this building. Any new work we did, like updating bathrooms, has to meet current ADA standards, FYI.
That said, we want our space to be welcome to everyone. We’re working on installing a stair lift. Once that’s ready to go, we’ll let folks know. Cheers!
Good questions! I hope they comply soon. Thanks for following up.
Sold me with the part about the Dads.
Thank you. They were truly the best.
Fantastic write-up! I'd love to see DSM get more of these places; it feels like the bar scene has been stale since the pandemic.
Yes--it's pretty fun. And a great place to have a little pre-dinner drink before heading to or from Lachele's in Highland Park!
Grew up near corner of Oxford & Madison, on the Oak Park side of the street, it was the divide line with Madison school. We could see the Katz Drugstore sign from the kitchen window.
My friend and I went to the soft opening as well (we must've just missed each other, Wini!). As someone who came of age in the 1970s, I also loved the furnishings, decor and overall vibe/atmosphere (that cool atmosphere extends to the Highland Park neighborhood). Drinks were fine. But the fondue was a big disappointment--very expensive for what you get, which isn't much and is mediocre at best. I just didn't see the value. As I generally like to have a bite when I have cocktails, I hope the owners consider expanding the menu a bit.
Thank you for the report! Readers will really appreciate knowing this. I think they'd do better to simply offer other yearned-for classics of the time: cheese balls, salamis (a la Hickory Farms, NOT charcuterie!) crackers, deviled eggs, maybe a few cold "canapes" on those mini rye breads. Really simple stuff that they could put in the fridge and bring out when people order it.
If they really wanted to do something hot, they could do little smokies and such.
Fondue is pretty one-dimensional and not for everyone. It's not something you want once a week or even once a month--yet I could see going to The Underground quite often...if I knew I could get a good nibble with my drink.
Sorry to hear the fondue wasn't great.
Super ideas for menu additions, Wini. Not only tasty but fun to eat. I think Highland Underground-goers would, well, eat 'em up.
Thanks for the terrific preview! I'm anxious to get there, although I fear my collection habit of that era's collectibles will erupt again. Oh well, nothing a couple of good drinks can't help.
Oh! And parking. Suggestions? The neighborhood was come alive and finding parking can be frustrating.
Ha! Parking suggestions. Didn't even consider that, as I went at 5 p.m. Well..you're right. That could be a consideration. But pretend you're in NYC and rejoice when you have to park only three blocks away and it's FREE! LOL.
I'll ask one of the principals and get back to you, Andy, as it's a great question.
You could park on Clinton ave, or maybe at the church lot
Hey! One of the owners here. One thing I'd say in our defense is that the soft open period is for training staff, and refining the menu and operations. Perhaps try us again now that we're open to the public. Thanks for stopping by though.
We also appreciate Wini's take on our space! Cheers!