Julius Meinl
For a true European-style coffee house experience, make your way over to Julius Meinl on the northeast corner of Addison and Southport. Julius Meinl is one of the largest and oldest coffee houses in Vienna (Austria) and Chicago’s Wrigleyville neighborhood is home to its only U.S.-based franchise. (A second in Lincoln Square is coming soon).
The restaurant offers outdoor seating to watch over the bustling crowds on Southport, or choose to sit inside and you’ll find a very pleasant café-style atmosphere. Regardless of where you sit, you won’t find a menu like this elsewhere on this side of the Atlantic. Try a piece of their apfelstudel, along with a Vienna eiskafee, which consists of espresso poured over vanilla ice cream and topped off with whip cream. If you’re looking for a bit more, try the black forest ham and brie cheese crepes. The menu is full of incredible-looking dishes that will have you conflicted about what to order while you sip your oversized coffee.

If you’re in a rush or don't want to stay for the atmosphere, you can always order your coffee, tea or pastry to go. While coffee is their specialty, the folks at Julius Meinl have a dangerous display case of pastries and sell teas and preserves as well.

In addition to the outstanding coffee options, food and atmosphere, they offer live classical and jazz music from 8-11 p.m. on regular occasions throughout the month.
— Mark Schwalenberg

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
Modern dance has a reputation for being either stuffy or confusing. But Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs with a power and expression that speaks to anybody who appreciates music or drama. The late Alvin Ailey started this dance company in 1958 with the groundbreaking vision of showcasing African-American cultural expression through dance. The company still favors works that deal with topics of everyday life and cultural heritage, often incorporating jazz, rock and hip-hop music.

During the upcoming five-day run at the Auditorium Theatre, the program will be different each night. The April 19 matinee and the April 20 evening programs include “The Groove to Nobody’s Business,” a dance about strangers meeting on the subway set to music by Ray Charles and Brandon McCune. “Firebird,” a modern ballet to an Igor Stravinsky score, is included on the evening programs for April 16, 17 and 19. Every performance concludes with “Revelations,” Ailey’s signature work that explores the sorrows and joys of his own African-American heritage set to traditional spirituals.

The Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University is located at 50 E. Congress Parkway. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater performs April 16–20, with a matinee and an evening performance on April 19. Tickets range from $30–$79. For tickets, call (312) 902-1500, visit www.ticketmaster.com, or go to the Auditorium Theatre box office.
— Amy Williams-Bernstein

Schadenfreude
Schadenfreude, Chicago’s long-running, critically acclaimed comedy ensemble, performs a six-week Saturday tour of Chicago neighborhood bars, running April 19 – May 24, (most at 9 p.m.), presented by Pabst Blue Ribbon. This “Schadenfreude Rent Party” includes ensemble members Kate James, Justin Kaufmann, Sandy Marshall, Stephen Schmidt and Adam Witt, and will showcase new www.schadenfreude.net content, featuring a lineup of hot local musicians and comedic performers.

Tickets for each night are $10 at the door, and information is available at (773) 576-6070 (events for ages 21 and over). Details are available at www.schadenfreude.net/pbr-tour-08

‘Last Meal on Earth’ Contest
If today was your last day on earth, what would you want to eat?

ROOOM 21 invites you to submit your ideal three-course “Last Meal on Earth” menu from April 1 through April 30.
Chef Daniel Tucker will select one winning menu on May 1, and the “Last Meal On Earth” winner will receive dinner for two at ROOM 21, complete with a downtown hotel stay and limousine service!

The winning menu items will also be featured as ala carte specials at ROOM 21 during the month of May.
Please enter one appetizer, one entrée and one dessert. How to enter: email your name, phone number and three-course menu to lastmealonearth@room21chicago.com or fill out an entry card at ROOM 21.

Recipes are not required, simply three courses you would love to enjoy together as your last meal on Earth.
ROOM21
2110 South Wabash
(312) 328-1198
room21chicago.com

Great ribs and movie nights at Matilda
If you’re looking for arguably the best ribs in the city, look no further than Matilda (3101 N. Sheffield). And not only are they “sloooow roasted” to the point they nearly fall off the bone, on Monday they’re only $10.50 for a 3/4 slab, complete with a baked potato or fries and a giant cornbread muffin.

If you’re looking for something different on a Wednesday night, swing by for movie night downstairs in the Baby Atlas room. The first flick starts at 7 p.m., the second at 9, and you won’t be disappointed with their classic selections.