Little Bad Wolf Chicago

Little Bad Wolf, or “L-B-Dubs” as many of the locals call it, is a swanky little cocktail bar with a tiny kitchen pumping out big flavors! They specialize in baos and burgers, which is sort of an odd combination, but if you put them both in the sandwich category, I guess we have a common thread. The location has been open going on since 2014, and they seem to be doing everything right. A Subway sandwich storefront used to be next door, and when in closed about a year ago, LBW took the opportunity to expand into the space next door. However, I really appreciate that rather than knocking down the wall and opening it up into one big space, they simply created a smaller archway between the two spaces, creating more of an annex. Coziness preserved!

Let’s talk food and drinks. The beer list is extensive. The cocktail list sports about 10 booze-healthy concoctions. My favorite are the Manhattan (with the good cherries!), the Chupacabra (mezcal cocktail) and the Diamonds & Rust (gin cocktail with honey, citrus, and rosemary). The baos (Chinese steamed roll, slightly puffy and doughy) are offered with various fillings, even seared tuna. Hands down my favorite two dishes are the Fish Tacos (cornmeal battered whitefish and elote) and the Blue Cheese Head of Romaine Salad. So much flavor. This is a great neighborhood spot with classy ambiance. Kids are welcome. There are individual and community tables, so expect to get cozy with strangers!