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Chicago’s northern border attracts those from all walks of life.

Thursday Feb 26, 2004.     By Vanessa Nichols

Lifestyle Feed

Known as the city’s gateway, the Howard Street entertainment scene has benefited from recent efforts by both Chicago and Evanston to restore the area. While it’s not exactly a bustling hot spot, Howard boasts several hidden gems just steps from the Red Line stop. Check out this diverse community by visiting some of its most tried and true locales.

Safety rating: Howard Street is best explored with a group, but it’s not that dangerous to go solo during the day. Definitely don’t go alone after dark.

Panhandler rating: The L station is a popular spot for loiterers, many of whom will approach commuters. Watch your wallet.

In-the-know spot
The Fish Keg
Despite its flashy sign, The Fish Keg is actually an old-fashioned market specializing in seafood and homemade salads. Those in the know come from all over the city to enjoy their fine selection of fresh fish, shrimp, oysters, clams and other delights of the sea.

Open until 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday, The Fish Keg is also an excellent spot for a late-night bite. Enjoy the greasy fish and chips wrapped in a paper bag, or grab the fried oysters for take-out. Those who come to stock up on seafood find that the line to weigh and purchase fresh fish moves with remarkable speed and that the staff is very friendly and courteous. This one-of-a-kind market, featuring fish from all over the world, is a must-see for Howard Street visitors.

Dinner-date destination
Gateway Restaurant and Lounge
One big, fat Greek lounge, the Gateway Restaurant and Lounge is a jazz bar, banquet hall and Greek restaurant rolled into one. A picky-eater’s haven, the menu is so vast that patrons can order anything from Buffalo wings to filet mignon. Greek specialties also abound, such as the mousaka (layered eggplant, potatoes and meat in a creamy béchamel sauce) and the spanakopita (fresh spinach and feta wrapped in philo dough). Specials change daily and usually feature some type of seafood.

The Gateway has a lively nightlife and offers a special late-night menu after 10:30 p.m. Take a date to check out the live jazz on Fridays and Saturdays, or sing your heart out on karaoke Wednesdays. A true city staple, the Gateway has stood on Clark for decades, and the decor includes a mural by Chicago artist Jett Walczak.

Cheap eats
Buffalo Joe's
Best known for its—you guessed it—Buffalo wings, Buffalo Joe’s is so popular that it has three locations on the Northside alone. The Howard Street spot has a slightly wider menu than the other locales, but features the same signature wings, along with burgers, chili, homemade soups and waffle fries.

Spice-seekers are thrilled after trying Buffalo Joe’s wings in the majorly spicy “suicide” sauce, while others usually prefer a plate slathered in mild or hot sauce. Just be sure to order a side of waffle fries and a cold drink to curb the jalapeno-induced sweating. And while the food might give you heartburn, the prices sure won’t: the average entree costs less than $8. Coming with a big group? Call ahead to have a tray of wings waiting.

No-wallet-needed joint
Lost Eras
Halloween may be months away, but the selection of costumes at Lost Eras is worth browsing just to get the creative juices flowing. A hodgepodge of eccentric knick-knacks, Lost Eras is worth stopping by even if you don’t plan to buy anything. Try on some stage make-up and a few wigs to get in touch with your inner glamour queen, or browse the selection of unique books and flashy trinkets.

Lost Eras features hundreds of antiques for rent as props, and its collection includes anything and everything from the 1850s to the 1970s. With more than 100,000 costumes in stock and available for rent, rest assured that you will be able to find everything you need to put together your Cher or Michael Jackson ensemble. Lost Eras usually serves local theater companies, but the general public can rent costumes as well.

Late-night spot
Mark II Lounge
The Mark II Lounge has survived the ups and downs of the area for 40+ years by catering to a crowd that appreciates cheap beer, a jukebox, pool table and late hours. Open much later than most of its competition, Mark II, or “The Deuce” as many Northwestern students like to call it, has become a second home for locals and students who appreciate a good dive bar.

The bar gets busiest after 1 a.m., or whenever a big sports game on. Not the place to see and be seen, Mark II caters to a crowd that prefers a laid-back place to hang out and drink. The lounge doesn’t serve food, so curb those late-night munchies beforehand, or ask the staff for a menu to get food delivered.