State Restaurant & Cafe

I've been to State several times in the past year. Dinner during the week or brunch on Sundays. The food is always great, and there is plenty of it. I have had the club sandwich, omelet and the brunch buffet (during football season they are doing an all day progressive buffet - one price for a changing buffet, all day!). Service is great (sometimes a little too attentive) and the numerous flat screen televisions and free use of internet adds to its great atmosphere. I have found myself using the internet at the bar while waiting for my party to join me and thus not had to feel uncomfortable by myself. But usually every time I'm there, something a little unusual happens. One time there was a list of food that was currently unavailable, even though it was still on the menu. Another time while we were there for brunch at 11 a.m., we were told that lunch food was not served until after noon. Unless you're there for specials or two for one night, it's really not bargain fare, but no more expensive than any other Lincoln Park restaurants. I think this restaurant has a great atmosphere and good food, but is still trying to find its niche in the neighborhood. They've gotten a lot of flack from the neighbors regarding their liquor license (which is why they started out as BYOB -though I'm not sure if they're still trying to get the license). If you're looking for something a little different, give State a shot. more

I am, admittedly, a "yuppie on a budget". This means that I love to go out to eat, but I'm always on the lookout for a way to cut corners without cutting quality or fun. State Restaurant & Cafe is exactly what I've been looking for. This BYOB restaurant's ambiance is probably the most distinguishing factor about its existence. It is sports bar meets internet cafe, lounge meets diner, nightclub meets breakfast nook. With multiple plasma flatscreens adorning the walls, you can be sure never to miss a sporting event, day or night. Desktop flatscreen PC's line the bar, with laptops for rental at the hostess station. A state of the art sound system pumps current tunes into the restaurant. The menu is virtually the same as any other "bar", but this BYOB put itself above the competition by hosting "1/2 Off Food" deals on Mondays and Wednesdays. This truly is diamond in the rough, as three of us ate a three course meal at State, totaling $30 after the discount. (We, of course, brought our own bottles of wine, for which there is no corkage fee.) The price can't be beat! The spinach & artichoke dip is the recommended appetizer, and the smoked salmon sandwich trumps all other entrees for lunch. There is also an extensive breakfast menu available, which could turn into a fun morning tradition if you bring some champagne and orange juice in with you! State is still trying to get its liquor license, but I say that it has more than enough appeal without it. Highly recommended, especially on Mondays and Wednesdays. more