I always thought I’d want to live in the type of neighborhood that had a place like Shucker’s as its corner bar. I come to Shucker’s when I’m in Chicago more for its ambiance than for its food.

Shucker’s is located in a cozy brownstone just a block and a half off Michigan Avenue. The restaurant is upstairs, but ask to eat downstairs in the bar. The bar is narrow and warm, with tables along one side, and a beautifully carved full bar along the other side. Underneath the stairs is a piano, played by a gentleman who is a dead ringer for John Huston.

Entrees run in the $15 to $30 range. Seafood is prominent on the menu but they also serve a good steak and a good prime rib. On this trip, I had the New York strip steak, which was tasty, along with a baked potato, which was not. (Why is it so hard for restaurants to make a good baked potato? You’d think I’d learn by now, but hope springs eternal.)

Service was attentive, but not smothering. I was brought warm bread with butter before my meal, and the bill was brought promptly and discreetly when I was ready to leave. Most restaurants have someone to greet you when you come in, but at Shucker’s they also bid you farewell, which I thought was a nice touch.

Shucker’s
150 E. Ontario Street
312-266-6057