American-Style '800 West' Opens, Offering 'A Little Bit of Everything'

Western Springs' newest eatery, 800 West, located at 800 Hillgrove on the northeast corner of the building, had a successful grand opening last Saturday night, according to owner and manager Andrew Bobich, and is now open for business.

 The new American-style restaurant's hours are Tuesday through Thursday dinner is available from 4 p.m. until 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.; on Sundays breakfast is served from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m. and the regular dinner menu is available from 12 until 6pm. 800 West is closed on Mondays.

The restaurant itself is divided into two parts: a bar and a dining room. Since its last incarnation as La Dolce Vita, Bobich and his staff have redecorated a bit to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, carrying the look of the beautiful stone fireplace throughout the space.

A new coat of paint and glass accents are further touches brought in by the redecoration. The dining room is currently festively decorated for the holiday season, which may lead guests to feel as though they are in a cozy extension of their own living rooms.

The dining room can seat around 40 guests, but doors have been added in order to allow for more intimate private party settings. The entire dining room is also available for daytime banquets before the restaurant opens for dinner service; 800 West can accommodate banquets of 15 to 40 guests.

The bar area features high top tables and seating at the polished wood bar itself. Bobich described the bar as a bit trendier than the dining room, but it is nonetheless inviting. The bar is open for an additional hour after the dining room closes and serves a broad selection of martinis, wine and beer.

The menu at 800 West offers, according to Bobich, "a wide selection: ribs, flatbreads, salads, soups, fish, pasta—a little bit of everything." Prices range from $9.99 to $28.99, and a menu will be available online in the new year.

When asked which item on the menu was his favorite, Bobich replied, "Barbecued ribs—our ribs are hickory smoked, like Texas style."

Reservations are recommended for parties of six or more and can be made by calling 708-783-1500. Gift cards are available in any denomination and are refillable. Parking is available in the lot to the north of 800 Hillgrove or street parking can be found south of the building.