5 places in The Glen you might be overlooking

 

Credit: Vintage Nest

 

Let’s take a minute and talk about ruts. We all get in them from time to time, wouldn’t you agree? Whether it’s what we eat, what we wear or where we hang out, sometimes it’s good to shake things up, knowing your old familiar favorites will still be around—and in the meantime, you might discover new familiar favorites.

 

Now let’s take a minute and talk about ruts, me and The Glen. I’ve got my go-to spots that rarely disappoint (Yard House, The Book Market and GameStop among them). But a couple weeks ago, a twist of fate—in the form of an hour-long wait at Yard House—led me to a place I’d never been, and you know what? I loved it! I’ve been a few times since, and it’s been a nice change from the ordinary.

 

The lesson here is this: branch out! To help, I’m listing five spots in The Glen that you might not have tried or know much about. Onward and upward, my fellow rut breakers.

 

State and Main

 

This airy, industrially inspired restaurant and bar is similar to Yard House in some ways (menu items included), but more intimate, less expensive and much quieter, which makes conversation easier. Try the Hollywood Bowl for all the healthy things (salmon, avocado, yams, asparagus, quinoa and more), and wash it down with a Guilt and Honey (a delightful combination of bourbon, citrus and honey). Hey, balance, right? I particularly like State and Main for kiddos, if only because the atmosphere is calm—a good thing where hungry (cough, cough, irritable) bellies are concerned.

 

Color Me Mine

 

I know you know how great it is to paint your own pottery, but I don’t think you know just how great Color Me Mine is. Aside from the daily walk-in sessions, a number of monthly events let you enjoy simply being creative. Every Thursday is Ladies Night from 5 to 8 p.m., with half-price studio fees and 10 percent off pottery. Every second and fourth Monday, parents enjoy a waived paint fee when painting with a full-price child. And every last Friday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m. is Kids Night Out—$25 per child gets them a pizza dinner and a themed pottery painting.

 

Mingle Juice Bar

 

Mingle is small, well-appointed and brimming with health. That’s probably all I need to say, but if you need more encouragement, two words: Wookie Punch. Strawberry, blueberry, peach, mango and pineapple juice make this tropical delight a perfect pick-me-up. There’s also plenty on the menu for little ones, including a custom smoothie—let them choose four ingredients, and the Mingle magicians will whip up a quick, nutritious snack.

 

Vintage Nest

 

Ever want to spend a whole afternoon thrift shopping, but don’t have, well, a whole afternoon? Vintage Nest is your one-stop antiquing shop, filled with everything from furniture and decor to clothing and jewelry. Everything is one of a kind and hand-selected by the shop’s owner, who travels the country visiting antique markets and shows. It’s also a great place to pick up a gift—think beautiful soap, lotion, candles and more.

 

The Curragh Irish Pub

 

Sometimes you just want a bar that strikes the balance between fancy and dive, and the Curragh is it. It’s elevated and pretty—but also warm and inviting. Sample the Irish whiskeys, of course, along with a boxty of the veggie, corned beef and cabbage, or chicken variety. (A boxty is a traditional Irish pancake. I didn’t know that until I went to the Curragh.) Also don’t miss live music nights featuring a range of artists and genres.

 


 

If you go:

 

The Glen Town Center

 

2030 Tower Dr., Glenview

 

www.theglentowncenter.com

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