We’re always on the lookout for off-the-beaten-path nightlife. After midnight, ñ (call it “EN-yay”) more than fits the bill. A Brazilian and Argentinean restaurant from the creators of Tango Sur, ñ packs an after-dinner, late-night punch filled with mojitos, DJs and a gorgeous, diverse, anti-scene crowd.
We stopped by late on a Friday night, luckily guided by a friend in-the-know or we might have missed ñ’s small sign on an otherwise industrial street. Once inside, we felt instantly at home and began by sipping ñ’s perfect mojitos on a comfortable sofa in the rustic, dimly lit back room. A lively crowd had gathered at tables while the DJ played Latin-infused beats. Soon we stepped out to the main dining area, where the tables had been cleared and the dance floor was hopping. We danced, mingled and met people from all over Chicago and, for that matter, the world.
We’re told the DJ’s play Wednesday – Saturday, but call ahead as live bands play also. Another perk to report is the ease of free parking along Elston. What’s more, we got all of this without a cover. We can’t wait to return for a full dinner, but we’ll be sure to stick around for the party.
