Chicago politics doesn't just happen in City Hall. Some of the city's biggest deals go down over pastrami sandwiches or pork chops in establishments around the city. After some digging, Centerstage has unearthed a list of local politicians' favorite spots (for the President, look here). So go ahead, grab a (Senate) seat. You might just overhear something that turns into next week's front-page news.
437 Rush
Phil Stefani's Streeterville flagship takes diners back to the heyday of Chicago media, when breaking news was delivered via an overhead wire and the three-martini lunch made for a typical Wednesday. Capitalizing on its proximity to NBC Towers, the Tribune building and several other media outlets, the steakhouse's atmosphere seems perfectly appropriate for Murphy Brown and the FYI gang. Rich mahogany flooring, retro black and white tiling and stainless steel railings validate 437 Rush's claim of serving the media elite. Further proof is found in the hundred or so autographed photographs of notable editors. (Fun fact: Hillary Rodham Clinton was one of the first patrons of the new third floor bathroom.)
Army & Lou's
The creation of a Defender reporter and his wife in 1945, this soul-food standout has seen many politically minded patrons flock to its doors in search of Southern-style "scratch cooking." Former mayor Harold Washington held weekly meetings here in a room now used for buffets and private parties. Gubernatorial candidates make pre-election stops for press junkets while they dine on center-cut pork chops, whole Cornish hens and baby back ribs.
Cafe Society
Jorge Armando Anafador, commonly known as "Chef George," is the driving force behind this popular traditional cafe located inside the Vietnam Veterans Art Museum in the South Loop. Cafe Society has weathered the barren existence of the area pre-housing boom and an ongoing eviction attempt by its landlord to become a popular destination for new residents. In the process, it has developed a solid customer base. One notable and frequent customer is South Loop resident Mayor Daley, whose breakfast of choice is fluffy eggs with tomatoes and a cappuccino.
Captain's Hard Time Dining
You'll have a hard time not eating everything on the menu at this South Side institution, a favorite of politicians from Bobby Rush to Carol Moseley Braun. They might come for the center-cut pork chops or the blackened catfish, but we're betting the oxtails and ham hocks and meat loaf (only $5.95!) are big draws as well. It should be easy to find an early morning dining partner when you mention the deals to be had, like catfish steak and grits with 2 eggs for $8.95.
Daley's Restaurant
No, this spot is not owned by Da Mayor. In fact, the history of this Woodlawn restaurant predates even the World's Columbian Exposition (or the Chicago World's Fair for you "Devil in the White City" fans). Owned by the same family since 1918, Daley's has been serving up some of the South Side's most affordable soul food since then. It was a popular destination for entertainers during the Golden Age of Bronzeville, and legendary politicians like the late Mayor Harold Washington were regular customers. Those customers are noted on an informal "wall of fame" in the restaurant.
Nellie's
Famous patrons will attest that the food at this Humboldt Park Puerto Rican spot is fabuloso: When embattled Illinois Governor Blagojevich ate the pastelon (a Puerto Rican lasagna featuring sweet plantains), he sent an employee back for more later that day. Blagojevich isn't the only political patron frequenting this neighborhood staple; a governor of Puerto Rico and various state senators and congressmen have all enjoyed the affordable, homemade eats.
Manny's Coffee Shop & Deli
As well-known Chicago writer Alex Kotlowitz says, you can't expect to be a successful politician in Chicago without getting to know Manny's intimately - just ask Mayor Daley, who noshes there regularly. And we all know about Obama's recent stop at the deli. Even matters of national concern take a backseat to a craving for one of Manny's famed corned beef sandwiches.
Ramova Grill
Greasy spoon meets greased palms at this Bridgeport diner, which lies just a few blocks north of the 11th Ward Democratic headquarters (the political birthplace of the Daley clan). It's not hard to imagine old committeemen hunkered down in the high backed wooden booths, filching swigs of coffee and plotting patronage moves under the cover of cigar smoke and the waft of grilled hamburger air. The smoke may be gone, but not much else has changed about this place.
Schaller's Pump
Schaller's is like a mini version of City Hall. With the 11th Ward Democratic offices across the street, mayors Daley, Kennelly, Bilandic and Kelly were known to draft policies behind its walls. Eavesdropping on politicians since George "Harvey" Schaller opened it in 1881, it's the oldest restaurant/bar in Chicago and remains a family affair (and the spot to go after a Sox game).
Shaw's Crab House
When it's time to try and win support from colleagues, this high-class seafood eatery is high on the list of local pols - not to mention lawyers, judges and more. The main menu changes seasonally, assuring that the restaurant only serves the freshest fish, and includes dishes with crab, lobster, steak, chicken and surf 'n' turf. Favorites include the grilled Copper River king salmon with sauteed spinach and tomato chutney and the Lake Erie yellow perch with lemon butter and cole slaw. Entrees cost $14.95-$58.95.
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