Spectrum Bar & Grill — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

Well.. residing in the Greek quarter, I did a little search of what was nearby and decided to try Spectrum as what looked like the fun establishment! Disco lights and karaoke tempted me in, and whilst it was a weekday night, I still expected more. On my first trip there I was served by a gentleman and got a draft. About half an hour later, I got another. Famished at this point, I presumed there was no food that night. Then, another pair in the restaurant were served food! So I presumed there was no food at the bar. I left and went to eat elsewhere, promising the new gentleman who just started shift I would return to try again. The older gentleman and lady on before him didn't offer to feed me. I returned the next night hoping to get a delicious Greek feast to make up for the lacking service the night before. This time, the lady was very attentive, asking me three times if I was ready for food. I had already decided I was waiting for the new guy to get on shift. He arrived and took my order. I guess my understanding of Greek feast may be ill informed as my order was just two items, shrimp and rice. Don't get me wrong, the garlic shrimp was very nice and the rice was well cooked, but I guess I had expected more. Many of the items on the menu sounded delicious and perhaps I just picked the wrong thing. More than one patron expressed how they would be coming back as they loved it. Personally, I won't be trying again. Two strikes and out. I did tip...

My wife and I had been traveling all day—our train was delayed over five hours, so by the time we finally got settled in around 1 AM, we were starving. We specifically chose Spectrum because of all the reviews raving about their late-night food and the fact that they’re open until 4 AM. We did as many double checks as we could that they do in fact serve food late before walking in the cold to the bar.

We walked in, the place was empty except for three guys standing by the door just chatting. As soon as we stepped in, one of them—without even a greeting—just says, “Kitchen’s closed.” No explanation, no apology, nothing. I responded, “Really?” and he followed up with “You’re welcome to drink,” while asking the other two guys “do we even want to open the kitchen?”

At that point I just said, “I’m good dude, we haven’t eaten all day,” and we walked out. It honestly felt like they just didn’t want to bother. We weren’t being rude, we weren’t a big group—just two tired, hungry people trying to grab something to eat at a place known for serving food late.

Ended up ordering from Jimmy’s Gyros & Grill instead, and it was delicious. They saved the night.

If you advertise yourself as a late-night food spot and can’t be bothered to turn on the grill when people come in—especially after a day of travel—then people deserve to know. This was our first night in Chicago and we were looking forward to this spot....

Patrons beware How do I phrase this in the nicest way possible?

Be careful of your wallet and purse while at this establishment. You should be doing that at all establishments; however, for this particular environment the regular crowd is a bit on the shady side of conducting business and providing certain hospitality to a particular kind of clientele. If you know what I mean.

I recommend ONLY using cash if you go to their place. DO NOT USE YOUR credit card ... If you do use your credit card. Immediately ask for it back. Keep all receipts. I will not make full accusations. We all deserve to tell our side of the story, and are innocent until proven guilty. However, to speak plainly, spectrum will rob you and fraudulently charge your credit card without your consent.

This place is a perfect candidate for bar rescue. Unclear if they're still airing that show, or if someone is looking to turn a bar around this would be a perfect example. The Sound system is horrible and needs repair, massive renovations are needed. Needs more TVs and the bar needs to be opened up.

I never tried the food but buyers beware. If the front house bar is any indication on how the kitchen is run, I would not order a food item on the menu.

If you're Irish or an ethnicity other than Greek; I would not...