For a community that promotes itself as being progressive, liberal, free thinking and accepting, I don't understand the rush back to closed minded morals. If it's the attire of the staff that has people upset, then let's put a dress code back in our schools because during the warm weather here in Evanston you'll see young women and men wearing attire that is every bit as revealing as the outfits are at Tilted Kilt, walking around at the high school, NU and downtown. Grow up, if this establishment is not for you, don't go there.

To the fat bastard comment about being Scottish, this is a Scottish themed restaurant not an Irish themed one, hence the Waitresses Royal Scott tartans in their tiny kilts and the Waiter's Kilts as well.

According to the Evanston Liquor Control Board's Meeting Minutes from 12/10/10, the establishment is described as an "Irish-themed pub franchise."

Seeing that there's a definite Scottish slant (as indicated by the not-entirely-subtle tartan plaid bras and such), my recommendation for Evanston's Tilted Kilt employees to purchase additional layers of clothing at Anne's Irish Knits, located at 502 Main Street, Evanston, might not work out as I'd hoped. Prior to the responses above, I'd been feeling a sort of cross-promotional, "can't we just all get along" vibe...but I can see this might get very, very ugly.

To be clear, though, if this really goes through, will the Tilted Kilt management guarantee Evanston's Scottish foodies that the braised sausages -- served in the Longshank's Platter -- are made of haggis?

I don't care what the waitrons wear. But does Evanston need another mediocre restaurant (and another national chain at that)? The menu is neither Scottish nor Irish - it's a mishmash of prefab, high cholesterol, high calorie, middle American bar fare. Count me out.

Let the pocketbook decide, Judging on content is illiberal at best. Scottish, Irish, whatever. It's about sales. If people want to go then it works and everyone's happy. If it proves unpopular then it closes.

Seriously? The space has been vacant for over a year! The guy that owns the building can't get someone to pay him enough to cover his costs so he wants to open the fastest growing chain in the US? Give the guy a break. Also, Evanston can use the money...the municipality is BROKE. Quit the elitist attutude because you are a woman and wake up and realize what century you are in!

Glenn,
I'd like to know if Evanston is technically "broke"...what does our City Council think? Also, does my being a woman necessarily make me elitist? In this century, as in others, I believe there are those who agree (and disagree) that shaking one's ta-tas can cure many an economic ill. And, while it stings to be labeled elitist, I suppose I'll get over that name-calling faster than if I'd been labeled "cheap", which is how this chain strikes me. Yes, I have high standards for establishments vying for space in Evanston -- my kids may someday work in one of these places. If that's elitist, then I'm guilty as charged.

Well..that was the type of response I expected. You obviously didn't understand what I was trying to say. I'm not attacking you because you're a woman. I'm married, and have a son. I was just saying that you might want to do some research before you write an article. Below is an article from the Tribune discussing what's going on in Evanston and many local municipalites. I have a suggestion for you....why don't you suggest another successful business for the building owner that suits your standards and develop a plan for him. Oh wait....you're a reporter who just throws around opinions.

http://triblocal.com/evanston/2010/11/26/anticipating-late-payments-evanston-seeks-10-million-line-of-credit/

Here's another one - Keep the taxes coming on individuals rather than bring in businesses that generate revenue!

http://triblocal.com/evanston/2010/11/23/council-signs-off-on-2011-budget/

I can't see how attacking the writer of this piece is furthering the discussion any.

There has got to be more than one business out there who wants space in Evanston. If the landlord and municipality make it attractive, we should have a variety of businesses who want to establish a foothold here. But my understanding is that the leases and licenses here are so cost-prohibitive that we can't seem to attract quality chains to large spaces.

What kind of follow-up business will The Tilted Kilt attract? It seems really tacky to me. I'd like to hope we can get something whose ads I'd be embarrassed for my children to see.

I worked at a bar and wore less than conservative outfits to fund much of my way through college. I also had several other jobs. I probably made more money working in a bar than I did my first year teaching. Needless to say, I am educated, but I'm not elitist. Perhaps I'm too laid back, but a business is a business, and as long as they are not doing anything illegal, I think it is every person's right to choose whether to patronize such an establishment. A thriving business is better for the city than a vacant store front. I am sure the owners will shovel their sidewalks.

This really is a matter of taste and choice. I'm an adult and can make my own decisions on where to spend my entertainment dollars. If there is space, it isn't illegal and the upside is it generates city tax revenues, then there isn't any reason to stop it. I don't particularly appreciate it when council members, activist groups, or "concerned citizens" tell me what I can or cannot do. If they don't like the menu or the style of clothing the employees wear, then they can take their business elsewhere. I don't like cookies, but I'm not going to ask my alderman to shut down Tag's Bakery.

Would it bother anyone if a place like the Sybaris (hot-tubs rented by the hour) or a sex-toy shop opened in Evanston? Just wondering.

I love all of the free-market responses from commenters to this article. Based upon these responses, it appears that, as long as a business is legal, our elected representatives shouldn't exercise any discretion and we should welcome all businesses with open arms. However, I suspect that, if some of these commentors were forced to imagine the block they live on filled with any business that was willing to pay the rent, they might modify their free-market views. Similarly, I'm not persuaded that the free-market approach yields the best result for the citizens or the existing commercial base in Evanston.

That being said, as much as I loathe the thought of another chain opening its doors in Evanston (particularly one as tacky as Twisted Kilt), I'm not against Twisted Kilt trying to give it a go. However, given my experience at one of Twisted Kilt's other Chicago locations, I suspect that its time in Evanston will be limited.

Christine, I think you need to stop replying. Your making yourself sound less intelligent with every post. This is a resturaunt not a brothel. If you don't like it, don't go.