Jane's

Frommer's Review

Jane's has long been ignored by dining critics on the hunt for the next big thing -- all the more reason to love this inconspicuous charmer. This does not, however, mean that snagging a table at Jane's is an easy feat. On the contrary; this is a hugely popular destination among Wicker Park/Bucktown habitués, who'd prefer to keep it a secret. (Wait for your table at the friendly Bucktown Pub across the street.)

More than anything else, it may be the cozy ambience that attracts diners. Jane's is ensconced in an old house that has been gutted and rehabbed to create an open, two-story space with two dining rooms -- in the front room, simple wood tables run along one wall, parallel to the bar; in the brighter back room, the white tables, chairs, floors and walls create the feel of an elegant ice-cream parlor. (In the summer, a few tables are set up on an outside patio.) The dinner menu offers piquant, upscale comfort food prepared simply and with loving care, including both meat (duck breast pan-seared with turnips and peaches; seared sea bass with mashed potatoes, arugula, caramelized pearl onions, and mushroom coulis) and vegetarian options (goat cheese, tofu, and veggie burrito). The salads are standouts, especially the mesclun greens with pear, blue cheese, pecans, and balsamic vinaigrette.

Jane's also serves breakfast and lunch, serving up traditional American favorites with a few twists (such as an Italian sausage-and-scrambled egg sandwich on tomato foccaccia or a classic burger topped with smoked bacon, cheddar cheese and grilled onions).

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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