The Scene
Although the restaurant is rooted in Cubs country, the focus isn't on baseball. Dark wood seating, blown glass lighting and a sunroom complete with fireplace create a romantic mood. Flying solo? An outdoor patio and rooftop dining area is where neighborhood 20-somethings snag a few brews. Friendly, helpful servers make noshing here a treat.

The Food
While there's nary a hot dog on the menu, the gouda-topped, hand-pressed burger is a staple for post-game revelers. Crisp, savory flatbread pizzas, like the boscaiola with provolone, pancetta, mushrooms, roma tomatoes and vinaigrette-dressed frisee, are positively addictive. The prime steak sandwich on garlic bread with creamy gorgonzola is a class act, and homemade pastas like the orecchiette with Italian sausage and rapini in spicy tomato sauce are as homey as can be. A dessert must: Southern Comfort-soused, caramelized pineapple hunks on vanilla bean ice cream.

Read the full article at Citysearch Chicago.

Vines on Clark, from the folks behind neighbor Cubby Bear, shifted its enotecca approach to bring the bar atmosphere to the forefront--literally. After a brief remodel, the Cubs 2007 home opener also marked the reopening of Vines, where a dozen flat-screen TVs and a bar now located in the front give the spot a sportier edge to fit Wrigleyville. The casual dining menu features Italian-American eats such as sandwiches, pastas, appetizers and flatbread pizzas, including a quirky twist on the pie--the pepperoni pizza soup served in a bread bowl and topped with mozzarella cheese. Now that sounds like a hit for baseball fans. Around 20 wines are available both by the bottle and glass, but the big draw here is nightly food and drink specials. In warmer months, alfresco seating is available on the rooftop and a street-level patio.

Read the full article at Metromix.com.

Eating in Wrigleyville can be a much grander experience than inhaling a hot dog or two while sitting in the bleachers during the seventh-inning stretch. At Vines on Clark, diners will find sophisticated ballpark cuisine. The owners of the Cubby Bear offer this grown-up alternative for those who like things a little more refined.

Inside, the rich taupe, brown and green earth tones set the vineyard-like ambiance, with a fireplace to complete a more intimate setting than your typical bar and grill. The walls are adorned with classic Chicago scenes, but most likely visitors will be paying more attention to whatever game is playing on the television screens throughout the restaurant.If weather permits, guests should opt for the beautiful outdoor patio.

Imagine the "cheftestants" of a reality cooking competition were assigned the challenge of giving the traditional Chili's fare an upscale spin; Vines' selections might very well be the result. To get your dose of greens, instead of a bland grilled chicken salad, opt for a goat cheese and grape variety. Sandwiches include crispy paninis or the divine pairing of tomato and mozzarella on toasted herbed foccacia bread. Guests that come for dinner may want something heartier, such as the wild mushroom ravioli. Menu choices range between $8 and $13.

With the large atrium and ample seating, Vines provides a great spot for a group get-together, but its intimate lighting makes it an ideal date destination as well.

Read the full article at Centerstage Chicago.

You don't have to be a sports fan to score a table on Vines on Clark's rooftop, but with its proximity to Wrigley Field—it’s across the street—it couldn't hurt. If the game isn't grabbing your attention, concentrate on one of Vines' Italian-American dishes, such as individual and large pizzas, pastas and sandwiches. The smoked flank steak sandwich with mozzarella on grilled Italian bread is particular tasty. As the name suggests, there are plenty of reasonably priced wine options, plus 10 beers on tap.

Read the full article at the Chicago Sun-Times.