For Classic Food at Affordable Prices, Stop At Kroll's

If you ever take a stroll around the South Loop, Kroll’s Bar and Grill would be a fantastic place to warm up and relax. The bar is located at 18th Street and Michigan Avenue. and offers great food and drinks at affordable prices As one of only a few restaurants in the developing neighborhood, this is best I have found so far.

The Atmosphere

In a sense, Kroll’s created the definition of a classy sports bar turned restaurant. Sitting only blocks away from Soldier Field, a great deal of its clients are die hard Chicago Bears fans or people that live in the neighborhood. Upon entering, you can choose to sit in the bar area, accompanied with large projection screens playing sports coverage all night, or walk further back into the restaurant. The bar area could be its own establishment, because of its large size. Both areas are equipped with comfortable leather seats and booths, and ample space for your tired feet and obnoxiously large winter coat.

The Food

If you find yourself looking for classic sports bar appetizers and burgers, Kroll’s is definitely the place to visit. They offer three different menus: the regular menu, the late night menu, and the game day menu. Each menu is pretty self explanatory, but includes various items depending on the time of your visit. Personally, I found the double cheeseburger or loaded tator tots quite delicious, but probably gained a few extra pounds while lounging in my comfortable leather seat. My friend had the thin crust pizza, which also was delicious. The variety of the menu drew me in instantly. Take out is also available, with the menu with available online as well.

The Bar

The bar is the perfect place to come and have a decently priced beer or mixed drink after a long day or while watching a game. Kroll’s features daily drink specials on various beers, wines and cocktails, none of which go over $8. The bartenders are very nice and definitely know their drinks like the back of their busy hands. You can find the extensive beer and wine menu available online as well.

The Service

Even while frequenting this restaurant late at night, the service is fantastic. As a fairly picky eater, our waiter remembered my high maintenance order without even writing it down. They can get a little frazzled during a game, but who doesn't when a thousand different things are going on at once. Also, if you live in neighborhood and go on Tuesday, you can receive a 20% off discount on your food and bar tab, which definitely can help the ailing hungry college student.

Overall, everything about this restaurant says affordable and delicious. The drinks, the food and the service are all very reasonable, and the atmosphere is not terribly unique, but enjoyable. Kroll’s is open daily from 11 a.m. until late in the evening. Just get off at the Roosevelt stop on the red line, or take the number 3 bus south to 18th Street. I would highly suggest stopping in with a group of friends for a cheap drink and a good time. -By: Maddie Asebrook

18th Birthdays, Bad Parenting, and Drug Dealing Combine in Weeds

In the Fourth Season Finale of Weeds...

When Everyone Ends Up Screwed, Knocked Out, or Fighting...

Nancy’s boyfriend Esteban gets information from Cesar about Nancy being the woman who turned Guillermo’s name to Captain Till, the chief of police. Till confronts Nancy in a fit of rage after finding out his partner has been murdered. He attempts forces Nancy to tell what she knows about the tunnel and who Guillermo’s boss is. Then threatens to kill her. Great.

Celia goes to Mexico to visit Quinn, her estranged daughter, who has been missing for three seasons. Celia has a hard time figuring everything out, mostly because she is a wasted lunatic, but eventually finds Quinn. She then apologizes for all of her actions in the past, but ends up poisoned, knocked out, and held for ransom by her daughter. So her ex-husband has to pay $200,000 to his oldest daughter to get his ex wife back? And you though your family was dysfunctional.

Doug and Andy fight about Maria, the girl Doug fell in love with who turned out to love Andy. Their friendship makes the show work. Some of their one liners may not be all that appropriate to repeat, but definitely worth listening for. The big twist comes when Doug tells Andy to man up and admit that he is in love with Nancy. But Andy rebuttles that he just puts up with her because of the kids, effectively denying his feelings...until later. Oh ok, now the writers decide “oh yah, that’s what we’ll do…we’ll make Andy fall in love with Nancy, who was married to his dead brother. Even though they have never had any romantic inclinations in the past.” Nice work, brainiacs.

When It Hits the Fan...

Nancy takes a bath, and Andy comes in. She eventually proceeds to tell him the whole story about everything that’s happened, with the tunnel and her boyfriend, the audience can only assume. The shot is actually beautiful, because no one can hear what she actually says.

Then, Nancy calls 411 from the car to get a gift for Silas as she drives to Mexico, which her crazy boyfriend insisted she do on her son’s 18th birthday, and ends up connected to a gift basket store. She asks if there is anything for a son who thinks his mother has completely failed him. She thinks about what she wants the card to say and comes up with “Dear Silas, Thanks for raising yourself these past 18 years. You’ve done a great job.” She starts to cry and can’t speak. She decides on “Silas, you are loved. Me, Mom.” Mary-Louise Parker’s immense talent, originally as a Broadway actress, bursts from the screen here. She is absolutely heartbreaking as she gets too choked up to spit out words. It is the best part of the whole episode, besides when Hunter Parrish is wrapped up in a sheet.

When They Gotta Make a Plan

The boys of the family decide to make a plan if Nancy gets arrested. Silas says it’s time for them to take responsibility and wants to buy land in Mexico. Andy and Silas are going to partner, but they want Shane to stay in school. But he turns into a drug dealer, just like the rest of his family. How depressing.

The final scene. Brace yourselves. -By Maddie Asebrook