the buzz

Danny checked in at Matisse "I checked in at Matisse." 3 days ago... from foursquare

Theolarvd tweeted Matisse "French art from David to Matisse,: http://t.co/APUijshy " 1 week ago... from twitter

drinkdeals_chi tweeted Matisse "1/2 Price Wine and $4 Chocolate Martinis at Matisse today! 674 W Diversey" 1 week ago... from twitter

Hongqng tweeted Matisse "From Daumier to Matisse: Selections from the John C. Whitehead Collection: http://t.co/MUo49pmT " 2 weeks ago... from twitter

nattyannegirl tweeted Matisse "Worked for 3 hours in the blizzard, don't have to work tomorrow, going to Matisse with bradley and Fatrick for drinks." 2 weeks ago... from twitter

Yukdez tweeted Matisse "The São Paulo collection; from Manet to Matisse.: http://t.co/OcA7cwj4 " 3 weeks ago... from twitter

Gregoriasjd tweeted Matisse "Monet to Matisse: The Triumph of Impressionism and the Avant Garde- The Howard D. and Babette L. Sirak Collectio... http://t.co/ytYInqRn " 3 weeks ago... from twitter

TheeTonyB tweeted Matisse "I'm at Matisse (674 W. Diversey, Orchard, Chicago) http://t.co/DoGcnYur " a while ago... from twitter

Kelliengy tweeted Matisse "Manet to Matisse: Impressionist Masters from the Marion and Henry Bloch Collection: Showcasing one of the nation... http://t.co/52VpygwM " a while ago... from twitter

MommyAndTheCity tweeted Matisse "RT @DrinkDeals_Chi: In the mood for something different? $4 Chocolate Martinis should do the trick! Head to Matisse, 674 W Diversey" a while ago... from twitter

rate it

So ... what do you think?

thrill or kill

In Short

This casual underground lounge consistently packs in low-key, neighborhood 20- and 30-somethings. Red-hued and honorable to its namesake, the dimly lit space is intimate (read: tiny), with a dozen or so tables (low two-tops with velvet banquettes and tall four-seaters) squeezed around the perimeter; larger groups vie for a single booth at back, or crowd the bar. A central fireplace keeps things toasty when necessary, and alternative and light house tunes provide a conversation-friendly soundtrack.The DrawThe full bar specializes in martinis and white-wine sangria, and the kitchen turns out slightly classier-than-bar-food appetizers, entrees and desserts. Herb-breaded chicken skewers with orange-barbecue sauce and basil-ranch dressing make chicken tender starters respectable. Paninis with traditional or sweet potato fries elevate standard sandwich choices. Though its regular prices are some of the most reasonable around, the little lounge's daily specials are unbeatable.