I highly recommend El Dinamico Dallas on Howard. I've been going there on pretty much on at least a monthly basis for the past 10 years or so. It's a intimate place with an fun and funky informal atmosphere. Carribean art on the walls and music in the background. The owners are a very friendly couple who both wait the tables and prepare the food. Prices are quite reasonable. The buffet on Friday and Saturday evenings for around $11 is an excellent deal. The white fish is a "don't miss" item from the buffet. From the regular menu I recommend you start with the black bean soup - rich, hearty, and prepared fresh daily. The griot, curried goat, and jerk chicken are entrees which are very pleasing. All are served with tossed salad (homemade dressings), congri (rice and beans), fried plantains, and the owners' remarkable plantain bread. The fresh fruit shakes are also terrific. ElDinamico Dallas doesn't have a liquor license, but BYOB is fine. The only drawback to the place is that parking in the immediate vacinity can be hard to find at times, and this is not the kind of neighborhood you want to be walking around in at night. Special note for those who work on or near Michigan Avenue, the owners will be doing a special sampling promotion on Weds. (Dec. 2nd) from 11:30 to 1pm on the 2nd floor at 710 N. Lake Shore Drive. $3.25 for a generous sampler platter and drink included. In the spirit of full disclosure I should say this event is something that I helped to arrange as as campus program, but I do not receive any part of the proceeds or benefit in any way from the event taking place (other than knowing I helped organize a great event). George McClellan Chicago
Chicago, IL