Lone Owl

Lone Owl (or, The Bar Formerly Known As Pint) is a Wicker Park spot that has the spirit of an Irish bar and a menu channeling the Pacific Northwest. On the surface, not much has changed since Lone Owl took over Pint’s 20-year run in the neighborhood. There’s still a large dog-friendly patio out front and a bright-red phone booth marking the entrance. Inside, besides a few TVs for game days, this place has all the warmth of your favorite pub—cozy nooks, brick walls, and low amber light.

But Lone Owl happens to have some unexpected bar food. Yes, there’s a burger on the short menu, and inexplicably, a bulgogi hoagie. But there’s also a variety of hit-or-miss seafood starters and mains like underseasoned lobster corn dogs, and a surprisingly tasty pan-seared salmon. Count on eating your meal in peace because this place can be pretty deserted, especially on weeknights.