Old Oak Tap

In Chicago, people tend to classify bars/restaurants according to season: "That's a great winter bar." or "That place has a good outdoor patio."

Part of this phenomenon has to do with our dramatic seasons. On a freezing, snowy winter night, we crave tables next to the fireplace and a menu full of potpies and roast beef with a hot toddy to start. While a warm, humid summer night calls for fish tacos and sangria on a patio with a great view.

One of our go-to spots in Wicker Park has the right ambiance for any season. Old Oak Tap (2109 W. Chicago Ave.) has a large outdoor patio tucked away from the sidewalk and street just enough to feel private. In other words, you don't feel like you are sitting in the way of every pedestrian that walks by.

In the winter, the inside of Old Oak offers even better ambiance. A dim interior with a bit of medieval flair manages to be spacious and cozy. A bar with an adjoining sitting area—complete with fireplace—is available for those who want to enjoy the drinks menu.

So, the food. The menu is not huge, but it's all about quality here, not quantity. My husband loves the fish tacos and I can't get enough of the chicken pesto sandwich. In addition to grilled chicken, the chef has slapped on salami, romaine and parmesan that's been fried (to die for) on a crispy-chewy baguette. Add a little of that pesto and Old Oak's skinny fries and you've got one heck of a dinner.

I'm also a big fan of the grilled cheese with cheddar and swiss on brioche and a shot of tomato bisque. Yep, that's right—a shot of tomato soup. Perfect for dipping that melted cheese into (This one's definitely a winter meal).

Off the appetizer menu, the tempura battered green beans with dipping sauce are deeeeeeeeelicious and great for sharing. The empanada of the day is also always a winner.

One other thing to note: When your waiter tells you something is spicy, he's not kidding. Old Oak is not afraid of flavor, and that includes spice! So be warned ...

Lastly, dessert. The one time I had dessert at Old Oak it was a special—a cupcake. Chocolate on chocolate—fluffy, sweet, perfect. I recently noticed they have a banana-stuffed deep fried twinkie headlining the dessert section. I'm intrigued.