Avenue M   

695 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60642
312-243-1133
www.avenue-m.com

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As young, up-and-coming club owners continue to make their mark in the downtown area (i.e. Elm Street Liquors, Reserve, RiNo), the vets vow not to be outdone. Case in point, the collaboration of longtime nightlife impresarios -- all in their 30s --John Merlo, Lew Langer, Dan Schwab and Dan Schneider, whose previous projects Bacchus, Circus and Green Room helped put Chicago in a national spotlight. With Avenue M, whose name slickly refers to its address on Milwaukee Avenue, they make the next natural progression: a more grown-up style of partying. The former home to Como (which incidentally never really took off in its second incarnation) offers the ideal foundation for such a venture as the space is conducive for both fine dining and lounging. Avenue M strives to be a restaurant first as the attainment of renowned local chef Daniel Kelly (D Kelly) proves that they're serious about food. The menu ranges from contemporary American cuisine (lobster-stuffed chicken breast over a bed of five-grain rice; house made pastas) to classic steakhouse dishes (savory prime steaks and chops). A late-night menu includes pizzas, sashimi, Cuban sandwich and a grilled Angus beef burger.