Let's face it, the Northwest side isn't the most happening of places. Jet's Public House aims to change that. Just a frog's leap from Jefferson Park, this neighborhood bar ("not your typical" one, according to its tagline) encourages hip Northwest-side Generation Xers (and their Gen-Y counterparts) to refrain from migrating to the more mainstream bars out east.
A mid-'90s alternative soundtrack allows the crowd to reminisce on grade school and fret about getting older. Stay long enough and the Adam Ant/Lisa Loeb throwbacks will catapult you to a time when mildly ripped jeans over Vans was the in-thing and when Drew Barrymore spent more time flashing people than acting. The music isn't too loud; patrons actually hold conversations, swap gossip, sip wine and behave.
The decor is subtle, not tacky; no singing trophy bass here. French doors open up during the summer. Cherry-colored finish stains a wooden bar and tables. Tiffany lamps hung from ceilings cast shadows onto exposed brick and hardwood floors. Eight flat screens ring the room. Additional entertainment includes a video bowling game, a dartboard, a jukebox and a toy-store inventory of old board games, including Chutes and Ladders and Battleship. Join friends for the game or bring a date. Nothing is cuter (or cheaper, you'll find $2 specials Monday through Saturday) than a couple playing a game of Trouble over a few black and tans. Casual dress is the norm, but jaws won't drop if you dress a tad stylish.
Specials abound every day of the week, and weekends offer brunch. Traditional bar appetizers include chicken fingers, fried cheese, wings and corn-dogs ($2-$6.50). The average pizza is $5.50 and sandwiches range from $3.50-$7.50. Cocktails average out at $4. Participate every other Sunday in karaoke or enjoy live music every second Sunday.
Centerstage Reviewer: David-Anthony Gonzalez
