Bat 17

Absolutely wonderful.

Nothing else can motivate you to get through a 50 minute spinning class quite like the prospect of brunch, so Lauren O. and I decided to reward our hard-earned efforts with some breakfast items.

I'm pretty sure Bat 17 has my new favorite corned beef hash. HUGE pieces of corned beef, not that canned stuff. Fresh potatoes, ooey gooey cheese, and fluffy sourdough bread. We opted to leave out the Russian dressing, and I don't think we missed much.

We split our entrees so in addition to the corned beef hash we also got cinnamon french toast. Oh MY God. You don't even need the syrup, just shut up and eat a lot.

For you coffee and tea drinkers, they're complimentary, which is unheard of! Service is lovely. Bob was our waiter and he was a hoot and a half!

Definitely my new go-to brunch spot when in Evanston

I really like this place. The food is good and the beer selection is great. I am always grateful and impressed when the owner personally welcomes us when we walk in the door. The staff is friendly and attentive. It is going to be even better once they expand their space soon. My only criticism is that the quality of the mixed drinks could be greatly improved. There is a full bar, all of the ingredients are there, but the mixing department needs work. The bartenders are very nice though. We definitely will be back frequently and we have always left happy. Evanston is lucky to have such a unique and friendly restaurant.

I don't get it.  Four and five stars?  Maybe for the beer selection?

I've wanted to visit Bat 17 for quite a while: great Yelp reviews, open for lunch and in nearby Evanston.  Great first impression: good feeling as you walk in, very informal, downscale, fun.  We knew that the prices would be $$$, but figured that was part of the charm:  a small place with a hip name, downscale tavern furnishings,  colorful menu descriptions, and exceptional food.

Alas, it lacked that last ingredient:   Prices brought to mind  white table cloth and jacketed waiters; but the food was as ordinary as the surroundings.  My $14 Bat-out-of-hell meatloaf sandwich was good, not great;  it was described as large enough to maybe take some home, but was nowhere near that large. (And I wouldn't have taken any leftovers home).   My friend's hamburger was good, not great  and certainly not  worth $12-13. (Highpoint: The waitstaff  were wonderful; friendly, funny, prompt, and made a  point of thanking us for coming).

If there really are lines in the evening, we must ave missed something.  We wouldn't come back even if the prices were cut in half: too many local places have better
meatloaf sandwiches and burgers.

Hope some future (or past) reviewer clarifies why this place is popular.