Given that I'm (A) lazy and (B) cheap, Sopo is one of my favorite Southport spots: It sits right around the corner from my apartment and offers rock-bottom specials every night of the week. But even if it wasn't for the convenience and cheapness, I'd still make it out to Sopo for its upbeat atmosphere and killer food.
Sopo's menu has a good food/drink selection that fits well into its relaxed but fancy and hip (almost "clubby") image. While there's a nice array of appetizers, sandwiches (including several paninis, a burger and a turkey burger) and a few salads, a few items are Sopo must-haves: the teriyaki chicken wrap, the sweet potato fries and the sangria. The impressively cheap food and drink specials change from season to season (summer Thursdays are home to $5 summer martinis: sunsets, cocotinis, etc.), but one that will (hopefully!) never leave us is Monday's $2 burger night.
And if you're going to make it to burger night (or really any other night of the week), you may want to come before 8 p.m. to avoid a wait...or come during a Cubs game when folks flock to the "sporty" bars in the area. Weekends are even worse, as Sopo's small space gets packed quickly, making it difficult to squeeze up to the bar and nearly impossible to get a table. In other words, I'm not the only lazy and cheap person in town.
Average cost: $10-$20
Centerstage Reviewer: Ashley Hamilton
