These new restaurants offer down-home fare and event space.
1. The Southern took over the former Chaise Lounge space in Wicker Park earlier this month. The bilevel eatery can host private functions for 125 on its enclosed rooftop deck, which offers banquette and cabana seating. Available for full buyout, the venue can hold 250. For events, chef Cary Taylor can prepare stations devoted to mac and cheese, grits, or fried green tomatoes. Passed appetizers include smoked trout or vegetarian hush puppies, and family-style dinners can include Waldorf salad, country-fried beef tenderloin, and Mississippi Mud cake.
2. The Big Easy opened in Hyde Park in January. Available for buyout, the space can host seated events for 93 or buffets for 130. A menu of Cajun and Creole fare includes po' boy sandwiches, ribs with peach-mango barbecue sauce, and homemade beignets smothered in fudge. At the marble-topped bar, staffers prepare Southern cocktails such as Hurricanes.
