Watusi: restaurant and lounge in one
by Joy AlmiranezContemporary Caribbean cuisine, Mediterranean techno music, belly dancers and specialty drinks named after ’60s dances-all this can be found in one evening at Bucktown’s restaurant and lounge Watusi.
"I love it here! The tropical drinks are really good, and there’s always great entertainment," said Mary Huff, 22. Drinks range from $8 to $14, and have names like shag, mashed potato and hippy hippy shake.
This minimalist style restaurant has been building its reputation as a late-night lounge since September 2000, when owner Steve Harris joined up with long-time friend Brad Nelson.
"Anyone who’s been to New York knows that the best places are restaurants that turn lounge after midnight. We’re trying to bring that feel to Chicago with Watusi," said Nelson.
Watusi is known by its clientele for giving off a warm vibe, with a friendly and attentive staff. Upon entering, you will undoubtedly be greeted by one of the owners, who can always be found circulating throughout the room chatting with patrons and making sure everyone’s having a good time.
"The owners are always here - they make you feel at home and they always seem to remember people," said Sam Alvarado, 22, who attends Watusi almost every Friday for the "world beat" Mediterranean music.
Watusi is approaching its second year as a restaurant specializing in contemporary Caribbean cuisine with an emphasis on seafood. It was voted one of the best new restaurants by Chicago Magazine (May 2000) and the readers’ choice as Best New Restaurant in New City (fall 2000).
Appetizers range from $8 to $10 with the favorite being the $10 lobster conch fritters. The most popular entree is the $21 tilapi, which is a Puerto Rican fish in a wheat wrapper surrounded by vegetables and served with crayfish tails and sea urchin butter sauce. Entrees range from $19 to $22.
Having achieved restaurant success, co-owners Brad Nelson and Steve Harris can focus on their nighttime venue.
Friday nights at Watusi have been very successful. Nelson and Harris have created a Mediterranean theme, complete with belly dancers and Middle Eastern techno music. For $25 an hour, clients can get a table with a hookah service. A hookah is a pipe with several mouthpieces, and is filled with a variety of flavored tobacco.
Saturday nights are dedicated to R&B music, while Sunday’s venue is harder to classify. "You can hear anything from African Bam Bata to Ted Nugent on a Sunday," said Nelson.
Monday nights usually have a much younger crowd, which Nelson describes as "very underground Wicker Park." However, if you go on a Monday, it’s not uncommon to see members from bands such as Filter, Varuca Salt or Simon LeBon of Duran Duran.
Although Nelson and Harris have only been co-owners since September 2000, the long-time friends are confident that they will succeed.
"We grew up in this business together, working doors and moving up in the club scene," said Nelson, who has bartended in over 20 different bars and clubs. Having recently bought out Crobar, another bar in Chicago, the pair obviously has an extensive knowledge of the business.
Watusi is located in Bucktown at 1540 W. North Ave., at the corner of Ashland. The restaurant is open seven days a week, and the lounge runs Fridays through Mondays until 2 a.m.
PHOTO:
A view from outside Watusi.
return to underground chitown dining