Plush

the truth by yoda mann

BEWARE. Order a shot and a beer here might just get you shot.

by Paul L.

Hello, I'd like to order a tall glass of over-priced suckage to go with the Garage sale "lounge" decor.  Oh, and could you act super pissy when you serve me my drinks that I tipped you generously for.   This is place is wonderful........For me to poop on.

by Judy L.

Plush is a great last minute place to grab a drink because parking is readily available in the West Loop area, bar service is attentive, no need to vamp up in order to fit in and who could say no to their 1/2 price martinis every Wednesday? The restaurant/lounge really has to work on their ventilation system though because the smell of fried food and oil wasn't too pleasant and overwhelms you when you initially walk in. I think it was 80's night as well when I went because they played all the "greatest hits" of that time...brought me back to memory lane with Paula Abdul and New Kids on the Block!

by Latisha B.

I loke Plush, I really do, but Saturday nights after 10 is a NO NO.  I was there on Saturday night and it turned intoa  rave! It gets so loud in this place that you can't hear the person next to you.  The food is good , the drinks are ok (it took several).  I think it's a bit pricey for what they offer and the music is not consistently good. I have to be in the mood for Plush.1/2 price appetizers does not include ALL appetizers so ask before you order a bunch.

by Mike K.

Don't listen to what Mike D. might say about this place.  This place is a bloody nightmare.  As soon as we stepped inside, I felt like we were eating at a strip club and yes, I do know what that feels like.I had the "chipotle" chicken sandwich upon the recommendation from the waitress.  I don't know how she regularly takes her meals but the sandwich they served was as tough as a piece of bark and the only thing "chipotle" about the chicken was that they threw a slice of pepper-jack cheese on top of it.B/c, you know, "chipotle" means "pepper-jack cheese" in Spanish.After we stumbled out having spent our well earned money and ill-begotten time, we later passed by all these other places we should have eaten at instead.Next time.

by Claudia D.Johnny T.Colleen C.Anne P.Judy L.

Plush is OK.The food is OK.  Stick with the specials.  The half price salad night is a great night to come.Unusual cocktails.I like the vodka cocktail night specials.OK service.Seriously red velvet boudoir decor.  FunNot over priced go for itUsually I'm the one sticking my boot up the respective arse's of places.  It's unusual for me to be in the position of defending a maligned business.  Plush isn't so bad, y'all.  It's got potential.  Work with me.Decor - the place is packed with crushed red velvet.  It hangs in the doorway.  It covers the overstuffed seats.  It terrifies muppets worldwide.  But, red velvet isn't a bad thing.  Red Velvet is a type of cake.  Cake tastes good.  Ergo, the decor is good?  See?  See what I did right there?  That's logic.Drinks - yes, they have horrible names and questionable ingredients.  BUT when I left Plush to return to Lakeview, it took me a while to realize that the #20 bus I was riding was going West.  I was going west, late at night, and I had no clue.  That's a good-azz drink!Crowd - well, there's not too much of a crowd to speak of.  I have never seen it packed, but it could/should be.  While some of the patrons/servers scared/annoyed my drink partner, I was charmed by friendliness and taken with their willingness to listen to any/all suggestions for beverages.  I waved to people.  I shook hands.  I imagined standing in the velvet drapes while holding a boa constrictor around my shoulders and moving my hips seductively.  Alright, that might have been the big screen.  But, at least Plush dared me to dream!  As a lounge, I think Plush does the job.  It allows you to lounge around in comfy seating, drink the equivalent of roofitinis and listen to clubby music.  What's not to like?Plush is a (bad) late 90's theme party...unintentional, and lacking irony. -Crushed velvet. Everywhere. -Vases hanging from wall, with fake flowers. What? -Big screens display big fail. Britney? Beyonce? Barf. -Cocktail List is helter-skelter, and without focus. -Hynotiq is a mixer in well over a quarter of the drink menu. (ew)-DJ for an empty space (go figure?)-Our waitress had NO IDEA about anything on the menu. And was open about this fact. Several times. Quote: "well, ummmm, I'm not really sure what you would like, I'm not you." Yeah, well. Um...thank GOD. Plush = Pass.Colleen nailed it. Plush is trying to be the big, bold happening club of the 90s, all luxe and superfluous, not realizing that times have changed. Plusher is not necessarily better, and design sensibilities are more sparing these days.I went awhile ago, on a weekend night, and it was pretty packed. So somebody likes it. I just don't think that's me. It's set up to be way more a sit-down and chill lounge than dance club, but lots of people were on their feet and in other people's way. There's no real dance area, but people would anyway, so maneuvering through the crowd was next to impossible. Or, conversely, if you wanted to dance, anywhere you did so, you were in the way of someone trying to get by.The video DJing was pretty smooth: gives people something else to look at, anyway, but was 100% hip-hop/pop the whole time I was there. When I went to talk to the DJ, I asked a couple questions, but he was terribly dismissive. Now I can relate, having been in his position myself, but to be completely unresponsive? Lame.For both people wanting to go and for the benefit of the club management itself, repeat after me: PLUSH IS A LOUNGE, NOT A DANCE CLUB.PLUSH IS A LOUNGE, NOT A DANCE CLUB.Repeat until it sinks in.If you're looking to grab some good food at reasonable prices in a low key spot, head over to Plush. When you walk in there are welcoming crushed velvet couches and chairs to sit in. We were greeted by a pleasant server who told us about the 1/2 off sandwiches (Thursday special). The menu has a good selection of options from apps, sandwiches, entrees and salads. You won't go home hungry! We ordered the grilled calamari for our app. MUST MUST MUST TRY!! The plate was swelling with huge pieces of fresh calamari over a bed of fresh greens with an incredible balsamic dressing. Seriously, I wanted to lick the plate! My friend had their signature apple ravioli, and she couldn't believe how delectable her dish was. Plus, she actually had to take 1/2 home because the portion was so big! I indulged in the chicken parm. This dish was enough to serve THREE! The chicken was tender and tasty. The red sauce had chunks of tomatoes and a sweet flavor over the pasta. I, too, have enough for two more meals! Give Plush a try. Billy and his staff are welcoming. TVs are plentiful and you'll definitely sink into the food and chair or bench without a problem.

by Dima M.

The first time I heard about Plush I dismissed it as another fancy spot with no character.  Then I went there, and I completely changed my mind.  The atmosphere was great, the music was really good, and the food and the drinks were probably the best part.If you're looking for a spot to get good food, and drinks, and hang out in a "club" atmosphere, this is a great place to get all of that.  If you just want dinner, come before 10 on a weekend, because the music gets louder after that.They take reservations, which is a must on a Friday or Saturday night.They also have great specials during the week, which also is a great time to enjoy a quieter dinner.As far as the drinks go, you cannot go wrong with any of the martinis.  While the prices are a bit high, it's not too bad for the occasional outing.

by Abigail T.

UPDATE:  I've since been to Plush on a thursday for 1/2 priced sandwiches.  There is big selection of sammies (I always get the burger) and their fries are REALLY good!  The buffalo chicken sandwich is HUGE.  and oddly, tacos are included in the 1/2 priced sandwich menu!  haha...no fries tho.  lolI love it when things change for the better!!!  =) I've been to Plush about 6 times.  About 4 of those times were to eat.  Okay........2 stars, 2…

by Anne P.

Colleen nailed it. Plush is trying to be the big, bold happening club of the 90s, all luxe and superfluous, not realizing that times have changed. Plusher is not necessarily better, and design sensibilities are more sparing these days.I went awhile ago, on a weekend night, and it was pretty packed. So somebody likes it. I just don't think that's me. It's set up to be way more a sit-down and chill lounge than dance club, but lots of people were on their feet and in other people's way. There's no real dance area, but people would anyway, so maneuvering through the crowd was next to impossible. Or, conversely, if you wanted to dance, anywhere you did so, you were in the way of someone trying to get by.The video DJing was pretty smooth: gives people something else to look at, anyway, but was 100% hip-hop/pop the whole time I was there. When I went to talk to the DJ, I asked a couple questions, but he was terribly dismissive. Now I can relate, having been in his position myself, but to be completely unresponsive? Lame.For both people wanting to go and for the benefit of the club management itself, repeat after me: PLUSH IS A LOUNGE, NOT A DANCE CLUB.PLUSH IS A LOUNGE, NOT A DANCE CLUB.Repeat until it sinks in.

by Paul C.

Someone else mentioned this as well..this place gets pretty crazy on Monday nights. Around 1:00am all hell breaks loose. Motorcycles blazing and people all over madison backing up traffic. I've also witnessed drunk losers peeing on the side of the street and the alley across the street. Then the drunks like to hang out on the side of our building wooping it up. I've called the police three times in the past few months because of this crap. It's uncalled for on a Monday night.Get a job, you drunk loser with nothing better to do than wake up the neighborhood in the middle of the night. I really hope this place goes out of business.