maribelle's tavern

i should not be writing this post because i do not want you to go to this restaurant. why? because it small and secret and hidden and i want to keep it that way! i love this place and i am scared it will get overrun. as it is we had to wait for a table on a tuesday night!

maribelle's is a small, adorable renovated house down on riverside aka eastern ave. the vibe is relaxed but more upscale than just a bar. hardwood floors, open windows, white walls, outdoor patio with umbrellas and flowers. it is a great place to hang out, but i especially recommend (loathingly) that you go there on tuesday nights, when they offer the "burger jackpot." you get a burger with 3 toppings (such as grilled onions, cole slaw, bbq sauce, bacon, a variety of cheeses, etc.) and any side you want. all of this for SIX DOLLARS! on top of all this, you can sit outside and drink a delicious beer or mixed drink (they make excellent margaritas... none of that frozen slush mix shit here) and gaze at the river and just relax your evening away.

this place is so good that everyone i know loves it. vuka is already planning to have her birthday party here... and her birthday is in december. as if all of the above were not enough, maribelle's serves brunch! i have not tried it yet, but you know i will be there soon.

the service is great. they have a good variety of food items: sandwiches (some grilled), burgers, salads, fish and chips (sooo yummy), etc. it is all food you have had before, but maribelle's does it just a little bit better than everyone else. the seasonings and flavors are just more complex, bright, and interesting than at many other places. the prices are low. there is truly nothing to complain about except maybe for parking, and that is only a problem if this place gets too popular, and anyway it is nice out now so who minds a little walking?

so anyway, i totally do not recommend that you ever go to maribelle's because i want to keep this place to myself.