Traditionally not all sellers/landlords have been in favor of allowing pets. There is now an excellent way to handle the uncertainty of renting to tenants with pets.

If you get a tenant application that includes a dog or multiple dogs, you might want the dog to be assessed for suitability before you sign a lease to rent.  There are now services that will do just that. You can have a dog assessed to determine how well this tenant will manage the dog.  They complete a 5 page interview which includes things like if the dogs get exercise such as regular visits to a Chicago Dog Park.

To find out more about how the program works, visit ChicagoDogPads.com for all the details or call, text or email me.

The original idea for this post was to help a group I belong to CyberProfessional Realtor to find restaurants for lunch that were all within walking distance from the National Association of Realtors building.  These restaurants were selected because they are some of my favorites and because I think you can get in, eat and get  back to the NAR building within an hour.  They are all located in the area our Chicago MLS system calls the Near North Side neighborhood

My clients also ask me where to go for lunch in the area, so this list is really an answer to a frequently asked question for Realtors- where is a good fast place for lunch on the Near North Side?

Don’t hesitate to ask me for a recommendation.

I’d love to hear about your favorites and what you think of the restaurants on my list.

Bonus Breakfast Recommendation

The Yolk
Breakfast & Brunch, American (Traditional)
355 E. Ohio St.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312)    822-9655
www.yolk-online.com

The menu features diner classics. Egg dishes are signatures, but breakfast-as-dessert-options are available.

Restaurants for Lunch

Star of Siam
Thai
11 E. Illinois
Chicago, IL 60611
312-670-0100
www.starofsiamchicago.com

Roger of ReMax says “It’s not your usual place to go for Thai food.” Star of Siam serves a traditional Thai menu in an urban warehouse setting.Some of Roger’s favorite appetizers to share with clients are the spring rolls, crab rangoon and potstickers. Good food, generous portions, fair price.


Bandera
American (Traditional) Southwestern

535 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312-644-3524
www.hillstone.com

When Roger wants a delicious rotisserie chicken dish, he loves to go to Bandera in the city’s Near North, Magnificent Mile area. This cozy restaurant on Michigan Avenue serves up delicious comfort food. The cornbread is steamed with butter, jalapeno, and served up in a cast-iron skillet. Slow-roasted chicken is simple and wonderful. Burgers are big, fat, and juicy, and the “macho” salad is a feast of greens loaded with dates, nuts, goat cheese and shreds of chicken still warm from the spit. The Oreo ice cream sandwich is a great way to finish.


Big Bowl
Asian
60 East Ohio
Chicago, IL 60611
312-951-1888
www.bigbowl.com

What has people from the near Northside and Magnificent Mile coming back to Big Bowl? It’s fresh! Vegetables are grown locally, chicken and beef are natural antibiotic free. Even the dipping sauces are made fresh in-house. Interesting mix of cultural cuisines. Big Bowl features Thai, Indian, and Chinese dishes as well as a nice make your own Stir Fry bar. There are also interesting tropical drinks made with or without alcohol.  The make your own stir fry gives you the choice of meat (it also has tofu and vegetarian options), your sauce, and either rice or noodles, take a large bowl and choose several kinds of vegetables and toppings and they stir fry and deliver it fairly quickly. Great atmosphere, service, and reasonable prices make this a favorite.


California Pizza Kitchen
American/Pizza

52 E. Ohio
Chicago, IL 60611
312-787-6075
http://www.cpk.com

Although California Pizza Kitchen is a chain, I thought it worth mentioning for a quick lunch at an affordable price. Serving more than just pizza, California Pizza Kitchen also has Gluten free options on it’s menu. You can do anything from a full size entree to something new from their “small Cravings” menu. My favorite is the White Pizza.

Cosi
Sandwiches

55 E Grand
Chicago, IL
312-321-1990
http://www.getcosi.com

Okay, I know you are thinking“Why a chain again?” Well, for the same reason Cosi is worth mentioning. You really can′t go wrong here. Sandwiches are made to order on fresh flatbread. One of my personal favorites is the fire-roasted veggie sandwich but I hear that the Buffalo Bleu sandwich is pretty amazing too. They serve a variety of delicious soups, bagels, and a unique flatbread pizza. Salads are tossed to order.

Heaven on Seven
Southern, Soul, American
600 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312-280-7774
www.heavenonseven.com

Known for the best Louisiana cooking outside of New Orleans, Chef Jimmy Bannos has been wowing customers with his authentic Cajun cuisine since 1980. Following the success of his original location on Wabash in the heart of Downtown Chicago, Chef Jimmy Banos opened the Magnificent Mile location. Some of Roger’s favorites include the Orzolaya; a twist on their famous jambalaya using orzo, Chicken, Shrimp and Andouille Sausage with Tomato and Parmesan Cheese. If you can’t decide what you want, Heaven on Seven offers the “Jimmy Feed Me!” dinner special which is 7 courses for $35 but be sure to bring your appetite because the portions are huge!

Mi Casa Su Casa
Mexican

49 East Ontario Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-943-4041
http://www.sucasamexican.com

A great place for lunch! They have several lunch specials for around $7 that include your entree, refried beans and rice. Great deal for the price, and it was a lot of food! Located in a converted 1867 carriage house, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Great margaritas!

Rosebud
Italian/American

720 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-266-6444
http://rosebudrestaurants.com

Yes, I have more than one Rosebud listed (see my dinner recommendations). Voted the best burger by food critic Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune, this 10 oz burger for only $5 will not disappoint! Served on a soft pretzel rolls this is by far one of the best burgers I’ve ever had. Of course their standards like fried calamari never disappoint either.

Food court in Nordstroms
520 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL  60611
www.theshopsatnorthbridge.com/Dining

Coast Burger-American 312-923-0006

Chick-cago Grill-American 312-755-0540

Habenero-Mexican 312-923-0006

Jaffa-Sandwiches 312-222-6202

Potbelly-Sandwiches 312-644-1008

Mezza-Wraps 312-670-0200

These were selected to give you variety in types of food for some fine dining.  Many of the restaurants on this list will require a reservation, some in advance so please inquire.  Most of the included list is also in our Chicago MLS area known as the Near North Side neighborhood, but a few are in the neighborhood know as the Loop.  A few exceptions include Greek Town and my favorite Italian restaurant, the original Rosebud on Taylor Street

Don’t hesitate to ask me for other recommendations.

I’d love to hear about your favorites and what you think of the restaurants on my list.

Chicago Restaurant Guide

Gaylord
Traditional Indian Cuisine
100 E Walton Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Tel: 312-664-1700

www.gaylordil.com

Great value and amazing lunch buffet is topped by more traditional table service for dinner.


Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
Steakhouse
1028 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-266-8999

http://www.gibsonssteakhouse.com

As the name implies, it is a steakhouse but they also serve amazing seafood. Generous portions and extensive wine list make this a “Must” when visiting Chicago.


Gene & Georgetti
Steakhouse
500 North Franklin Street
Chicago IL
312-527-3718

http://www.geneandgeorgetti.com/

For over 70 years, Gene & Georgetti has maintained it’s excellence in providing it’s customers with great food and service. Winner of the prestigious Award of Excellence from Distinguished Restaurants of North America as well as the DiRona award.


Fogo de Chao
Brazilian Steakhouse
661 North LaSalle Drive
Chicago, IL 60654
312-932-9330

http://www.fogodechao.com

Churrasco is a way of roasting meats over fire pits for delicious barbecues.Fogo deChao  delivers delicious food!! This near north restaurant serves up incredible food and the service is outstanding.  Their signature meat is steak Picanha which is a prime cut of top sirloin. Roger’s favorite is the Filet Mignon. The side dishes are amazing including warm cheese bread, crispy hot polenta, garlic mashed potatoes or caramelized bananas. The drink concoctions are amazing too. Be sure to try their signature dessert of Papaya Cream.


Catch 35
Seafood
35 West Wacker Drive
Chicago, IL 60601
312-346-3500

www.catch35.com

It couldn’t be described any better than it is on the Catch 35 website as “the range of seafood choices is so deep and interesting that you get the feeling you should pull up a deck chair to aid further study.”


Hugos Frog Bar
Seafood/Steakhouse
1024 North Rush Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-640-0999

http://www.hugosfrogbar.com

Hugos Frog Bar shares it kitchen with Gibsons steakhouse. Need I say more? The seafood is outstanding. Be sure to try the crab cakes with spicy pink mayo, they are incredible. You can get a plethora of fresh seafood including lobster, crab, oysters, shrimp, scallops, tuna, tilapia, tuna, perch, salmon…etc!! You of course can order one of the USDA Gibsons Prime Angus beef steaks.


Greek Islands
Greek
200 S. Halsted
Chicago, Il 60661
312-782-9855

www.greekislands.net

Located in the heart of Greektown, the Greek Islands has been serving customers it’s infamous flaming cheese since 1971.


Santorini
Greek
800 W. Adams
Chicago, IL 60661
312-829-8820

www.santorinichicago.com

Taking it’s name from and island in the Aegean Sea, Santorini offers over 20 seafood option flown in fresh daily. In addition to the seafood, classic greek fare is also offered.


Italian Village
Italian
71 W. Monroe
Chicago, IL 60603
312-332-7005

www.italianvillage-chicago.com

Designed like a small Italian town customers can dine in 3 different areas of this Chicago Landmark all under the same roof. Mostly Northern Italian inspired the menu offers generous portions of veal, pasta, beef, chicken, and pizza.


Rosebud
Italian
1500 W. Taylor
Chicago, IL
312-942-1117

www.rosebudrestaurants.com

Now serving delicious food at several locations Rosebud on Taylor is the original of this successful Italian dining experience.


Volare
Italian
201 E. Grand
Chicago,IL 60611
312-410-9900

www.volarerestaurant.com/

Traditional Italian cuisine with modern accents best describes this always busy restaurant. Great bar, decent wine list, tasty food and great service.


The Purple Pig
Mediterranean and Italian
500 North Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
312-464-1-PIG (744)

http://www.thepurplepigchicago.com/

As the name implies, there are a lot of pork inspired menu items but don’t let the name fool you. There are many delicious menu items that don’t include pork such as the brussel sprouts with parmigiano-Reggiano.


Table 52
Southern & Soul
52 W. Elm Street Chicago
312.573.4000

http://www.tablefifty-two.com

Gorgeous decor ranks second the the food at Chef Art Smith’s table 52.Cuisine sourced from local organic farms produces the highest quality southern comfort food you’ll ever have.


Kamehachi
Sushi
240 East Ontario
Chicago, IL 60610
312-587-0600

http://www.kamehachi.com

Since 1969 Kamehachi has been serving some of the best sushi in the Midwest! Family owned for 3 generations Kamehachi is dedicated to serving quality sushi.


Oysy
Sushi
50E. Grand
Chicago, IL 60611
312-670-6750

www.oysysushi.com

Oysy’s tranquil atmosphere is the perfect spot to sample traditional as well as exotic Japanese dishes at an affordable price.


Le Colonial
French/Vietnamese
937 North Rush Street
Chicago IL
312-255-0088

http://www.lecolonialchicago.com/

Le Colonial’s decor captures the spirit of 1920’s French Colonial Southeast Asia. Don’t know what Vietnamese food is like? Traditional offerings such as fried rice are available or sample the more exotic such as the crispy banana wonton with chocolate sauce!


Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Seafood/Steak
60 East Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL  60611
312-379-5637

http://www.joes.net/chicago

Joe′s is built on the tradition that began in Miami Beach. The elegant and sophisticated atmosphere has a bustling bar scene and impeccably dressed, tuxedo-clad waitstaff. The restaurant features an extensive selection of seafood, flown in fresh daily. The Stone Crab Claws with Mustard Sauce is a signature dish. Famous side dishes include creamed Spinach and  Jennie’s Potatoes. Be sure to have a slice of the justifiably famous Key Lime Pie.

After doing a search I discovered another property on the same block that also closed 2 years ago and is still listed as an active 2 flat currently for sale. I know initially when Zillow started offering free on-line market analyses they were typically very far from reality, have heard they have improved a bit and are usually a little more realistic. Curious as to the management of the data they take from us

Sold but Active on Zillow

the brokers and agents. We would ultimately be fined if we did not report properties as “closed” after they in fact have closed. Apparently nobody monitors Zillow or the various other sites that have real estate listings and provide a service to the public.

Is it my responsibility to contact Zillow to request that they keep current records? Just know that if you are searching on Zillow in some of Chicago’s finest neighborhoods for properties you may be looking at inventory that is not for sale. REMAX had both of these properties listed, for a current list of what is available go to  Current Homes For Sale in Logan Square

REMAX agent, Roger Lautt reports that in the Chicago neighborhood of West Town the real estate market was not as active as sellers would have liked. The overall numbers are based on the MLS stats as reported through Midwest Real Estate Data.

One analysis of these statistics is that if you were trying to sell a Single Family home, you had a 1 in 5 chance of selling. Slightly better odds if you were selling a condo, a 1 in 4 chance of success.

Not very good odds and we all hope the market improves in 2011, experts suggest it may be 2012 before we see a turn-around.

REMAX agents have the highest number of transactions per agent so if you are thinking about selling it might be a good idea to consult Roger Lautt at REMAX Vision. Call or email for details about his “Satisfaction Guaranteed” system of selling homes.

REMAX agent, Roger Lautt reports that in the Chicago neighborhood of Lincoln Park the real estate market was not as active as sellers would have liked. The overall numbers are based on the MLS stats as reported through Midwest Real Estate Data.

One analysis of these statistics is that if you were trying to sell a Single Family home, you had a 1 in 4 chance of selling. Slightly better odds if you were selling a condo, a 1 in 3 chance of success.

Not very good odds and we all hope the market improves in 2011, experts suggest it may be 2012 before we see a turn-around.

REMAX agents have the highest number of transactions per agent so if you are thinking about selling it might be a good idea to consult Roger Lautt at REMAX Vision. Call or email for details about his “Satisfaction Guaranteed” system of selling homes.

Roger Lautt, a real estate agent with RE/MAX in Chicago is an expert in the Near South real estate market and offers no cost home evaluations and buyers the opportunity to see what is on the market with just one click and no registration is required.

Call, text or email Roger to make an appointment or find out more. His information in in the right column.

Chicago Loop Real Estate Market Summary

View information about sales in surrounding neighborhoods including Lincoln Park,  Near North, West Town, Logan Square, Near South and Lakeview.

November 2010 sales figures in Chicago’s Near South neighborhood showed were somewhat sluggish.

The number of new condo listings taken was 52 while 21 were reported closed. More than 2 new listings came on the market for every property that was sold. Average price of sold properties was almost $400,000.

The average condo that sold spent a disappointing average of 411 days on the market down just a week from the previous month.

Roger Lautt, a real estate agent with RE/MAX in Chicago is an expert in the Near South real estate market and offers no cost home evaluations and buyers the opportunity to see what is on the market with just one click and no registration is required.

Call, text or email Roger to make an appointment or find out more. His information in in the right column.

Chicago Near South Real Estate Market Summary

View information about sales in surrounding neighborhoods including Lincoln Park,  Near North, West Town, Logan Square, Loop and Lakeview.

There were 9 single family sales reported while 16 new listings came on the market. Those that sold were on the market for 4 months. Both market time and the number of sales improved over October.

The number of new condo listings taken was 30 while only 13 were reported closed. This ratio of sales to listings taken made a big improvement over October but they still are weak relative to other areas. Sales prices in the area averaged $190,393 which was down from October.

The average condo that sold spent an average of just under 5 months on the market.

The bright spot in the area continues to be multi-unit buildings where there were 8 new listings and 12 sales with an average market time of only 76 days.

Roger Lautt, a real estate agent with RE/MAX in Chicago is an expert in the Logan Square real estate market and offers no cost home evaluations and buyers the opportunity to see what is on the market with just one click and no registration is required.

Call, text or email Roger to make an appointment or find out more. His information in in the right column.

Chicago Logan Square Real Estate Market Summary

View information about sales in surrounding neighborhoods including Lincoln Park,  Near North, West Town, Near South, Loop and Lakeview.

There were 16 single family sales reported while 13 new listings came on the market. The single family inventory actually decreased. Those that sold were on the market a little less than 5 months.

The number of new condo listings taken was 100 while 40 were reported closed. This ratio of  new listings to sales indicates that the demand for condos in the area while not spectacular wasn’t poor. Sales prices in the area averaged $330,360 which is down some from previous months.

The average condo that sold spent an average of just under 5 months on the market.

12 Multi-unit buildings sold this month with an average market time of 44 days indicating that well priced buildings in this area are moving.

Roger Lautt, a real estate agent with RE/MAX in Chicago is an expert in the West Town real estate market and offers no cost home evaluations and buyers the opportunity to see what is on the market with just one click and no registration is required.

Call, text or email Roger to make an appointment or find out more. His information in in the right column.

Chicago West Town Real Estate Market Summary

View information about sales in surrounding neighborhoods including Lincoln Park,  Near North, Logan Square, Near South, Loop and Lakeview.