Frommer's Review
In this city, nobody refers to him by name. He is simply "Da Coach." Immortalized as such in the classic "Super Fans" sketch on Saturday Night Live, "Iron" Mike Ditka remains the quintessential cigar-chomping, hard-nosed Chicagoan -- despite the fact that it's been more than 2 decades since he led the Chicago Bears to victory in Super Bowl XX in 1986. Flooded with dim, amber light and filled with dark wood, leather banquettes, and walls lined with Ditka memorabilia and artful tributes to the coach's own sports heroes, this is man country -- and the food is a good step up from your average sports bar. Appetizers here are called "Kickoffs" and include a "Duck Cigar," a hand-rolled pastry with a hearty duck-and-mushroom filling, and a "Souper Bowl" of corn chowder ("the Coach's favorite"). There are lots of salads, pastas, and seafood dishes to choose from, but why be a wimp? Go for the "Fullback Size" filet mignon with spinach and homemade onion rings or "Da Pork Chop," surrounded by warm cinnamon apples and a green-peppercorn sauce. When you're finished, light up a stogie in the second-floor cigar lounge and who knows? You might be joined by Da Coach himself, who makes regular appearances here.
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planning your trip.
