Prohibition-era charm permeates expansive, yet cozy, Bootleggers

Since opening on March 9, the Prohibition-themed Bootleggers Kitchen & Pub has been attracting locals who want a relaxed place to have a cocktail and watch sports, as well as families enjoying a dinner out.

Motif: One wall in the dining room is devoted to a collage of black-and-white Prohibition-era photos. The space features a mix of small tables and half booths, with planters separating parts of the dining room to give it a more intimate vibe despite the venue's large size. Exposed bulbs in glass containers hang overhead, and wooden cabinets are stocked with bottles of wine.

There are no TVs in the dining room, but if you want to watch sports you can find four sets in the small pub area, which often brings in big crowds during Blackhawks games. Even with fans screaming and cheering there, the distance keeps the dining room peaceful. Bootleggers plans to add gaming machines to the pub, which is more dimly lit than the rest of the space.

Food: The menu is meant to offer enough options to be a place that diners can visit regularly, with popular dishes including hand-packed burgers made with fresh-ground chuck, a variety of steaks such as rib eye and London broil, and pulled pork and Reuben sandwiches. For starters, go with the saganaki, set on fire tableside, deviled eggs made using the owner's wife's recipe, or Reuben egg rolls. Classics like meatloaf and pot roast are also big draws for busy families. Daily specials include a Friday fish fry and prime rib on Saturdays.

Liquid consumption: Not surprisingly the menu specializes in Prohibition-era cocktails, though the bartender will also whip up more modern sippers. Their take on the French 75 was crisp and refreshing, and we also loved the Bootlada, a non-frozen take on the piña colada made with tequila, coconut cream and pineapple and orange juices.

Crowd: The neighborhood spot brings in a mix of families and casually dressed couples and small groups.

Service: A server greeted us soon after we sat down. She checked in regularly and was happy to make recommendations not just from the menu but for specialties the bartender likes mixing.

Parking: There are plenty of spots in the free strip mall parking lot.

Overall: Bootleggers is a perfect place for dinner or drinks.

Bootleggers Kitchen & Pub

629 S. 8th St., West Dundee, (847) 551-5783, <a href="http://www.bootleggerskitchenandpub.com">bootleggerskitchenandpub.com</a>

<b>Hours:</b> 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday