Evanston's Homestead Hotel does a top-notch job of masquerading behind its tree-lined street, Colonial facade, and guest designer Francois Geneve’s library-esque twist on the award-winning house restaurant, Quince. But this new lounge extension, on the opposite side of the lobby, dubbed Q2, is quite simply a satin-drenched family room with a fireplace.

That's not to say it's not worth a trip. You can access the same 150-plus list that wine director Joe Ziomek paired to suit the likewise accessible foodie-on-a-budget, contemporary American cuisine original chef Mark Hannon wowed critics with (same menu, different chef these days).

But the portion scale’s a bit skewed on the new bar menu, the face of Q2, charging $7 for two thumb-sized tempura-battered squash blossoms stuffed with feta. Or the domino-sized "suckling pig confit" – delectable with pickled watermelon rind and streaks of BBQ strawberry caramel, but a bit undersized. Best use of the five-tabled, half-bar space is milking a balmy summer sunset, when the near 100-year-old bay windows swing open onto the patio, and you can savor the big tastes of the little treats. Especially since wines-by-the-glass average out at $9, and big, bold ales like Three Floyd’s and Dogfish Head are capped at $6.

Average cost: $10-$20

Centerstage Reviewer: Gavin Paul