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Pick Your Favorite Brew at Public House
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Have Some Fun At The Drumbar!
Located in Chicago’s Gold Coast, Drumbar takes the ‘speakeasy’ to the next level, 200 feet up to be exact. Perched atop the Raffaello Hotel on Delaware Place, Drumbar is a multi seasonal destination with its speakeasy style inside lounge and outdoor garden terrace. Drumbar is a drinking establishment designed to deliver warmth, style, and an energetic spirit of old meets new. Click here for more information.
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Pops For Champagne For Jazz And Champagne
Pops for Champagne is the nation’s most acclaimed champagne bar and one of Chicago’s top night clubs. For more than 30 years, Pops has strived to present an unrivaled champagne list (now at nearly 200 selections), as well as a complete bar selection, live music, and a seasonal menu of champagne-friendly small plates and shareable items. Located in the River North entertainment district, Pops attracts local guests, visitors, and business clientele and is considered a perfect locale for social events or after work gatherings. Whatever the occasion, grand or intimate, Pops for Champagne is where Chicago celebrates.
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Rooftop Fun At The Vertigo Sky Lounge
Ranked in the Top 3 of Hotel Bar of the Year Awards 2012 by the Nightclub Bar Awards, soaring 26 stories above the city, Vertigo Sky Lounge is on top as Chicago's premiere party lounge and bar.
The only year-round, indoor/outdoor lounge in Chicago, we feature live DJs nightly, an outdoor fire-pit for added ambiance, and in the colder Chicago winter months - the city's only OUTDOOR ROOFTOP ICE BAR. Named 2009's Conde Nast Traveler's Hot List, VSL is the ideal spot for one-of-a-kind special events or to turn it up for a night out with friends. You can start your night at VSL or better yet, make it your night.
Check out vertigoskylounge.com for more information.
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The Boarding house… mammoth wine selection! Even a wine chandelier!
The Wine Bar at The Boarding House | First Floor
The first floor of The Boarding House serves as the restaurant’s main bar. Enjoy a selection of 20 wines by the glass, 450 wines by the bottle, custom cocktails, specialty spirits and craft beers to pair with Chef Gosselin’s menu of traditional wine bar provisions, including cheeses, charcuterie, shellfish platters, and artisan pizzas. The First Floor Wine Bar menu is distinctly different from the The Dining Room menu. Seating in The Wine Bar is available without reservations.
The Dining Room at The Boarding House
The main dining room at the Boarding House is located on the third floor, featuring exposed beams, inlaid hardwood floors and tables, large bay windows, plush banquettes and an impressive ceiling installation made from more than nearly 4000 wine bottles. The menu features a mix of small, medium, large, and shared plates. Enjoy Chef Gosselin’s wine inspired cuisine, including braised short ribs, chicken three ways, and citrus poached salmon with a 450 bottle wine selection.
The Cellar at The Boarding House | Lower Level
Ideal for sophisticated, late-night revelry, The Cellar at The Boarding House includes an intimate cocktail bar and comfortable lounge seating. Cap the night off with wine or cocktails after your dinner. Experience 450 wines by the bottle, exclusive, high-end wines by the glass, classic cocktails, and luxury spirits, all available with the same menu as featured in The Bar. For more information, click over to boardinghouse.com .
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Bub City- the most fun BBQ, country music and whiskey in Chicago!
It's a casual atmosphere, where you can stop in for a beer, and some bar-b-que, and listen to some fine country music. Bub City is open late every night. On Tuesday they have Country Karaoke. You wont find a more lively, fun place in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Click here for more information.
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Untitled
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Supernatural Chicago
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Nellcote
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Emporium Arcade Bar
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The Underground
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Finley Dunnes is a no-frills bar
Finley Dunnes Tavern entices people indoors with their many drink specials. But in this dark, laidback, no-frills bar, it offers more than that. While watching the game -- the bar will play just about anything you ask for, if a Chicago team isn’t playing -- sit back with one of the many drink specials, either alcohol or beer, while enjoying some free popcorn. When the game isn’t on, choose your tunes at the jukebox and get the party started with a bit of dancing, although there isn’t much room for that. After all, Finley Dunnes is your local watering hole with plenty of places to relax and put your feet up.
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Dark Horse Tap: a neighborhood bar in Wrigleyville
While Dark Horse calls itself an English pub, it’s more than that, considering they have $1 Taco Wednesdays, among other non-British food specials. Plus, even when the Wrigleyville crowd at Dark Horse Tap spills outside into the front and back beer garden, patrons can still watch the game -- especially the Steelers during football season -- thanks to the large open doors and windows.
Another plus to this Wrigleyville Bar? Even though Dark Horse isn’t far from Wrigley Field, just off Clark Street, it has a more relaxed atmosphere than the other bars and clubs you’ll find in the area.
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Guthrie’s Tavern is all about the fun and games
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Magic tricks and more at Timothy O’Toole’s
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Lizzie McNeill’s: Not just for St. Patrick’s Day
Lizzie McNeill’s may be a decidedly Irish bar, but it’s location along the Chicago river makes it the perfect spot to hang out in the warmer Chicago months, too. Escape the hubbub of Navy Pier and relax with a local or imported beer on not one, but two patios right on the river. The patios, in fact, just about double the size of the lively night spot that’s actually open at 11:00 a.m. every day of the week. When not enjoying the sunshine, Lizzie McNeill’s offers all the sports games indoors on TV, as well as shuffleboard and board games.
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Pick your own entertainment at Glascott’s
As a neighborhood Irish pub, Glascott’s Saloon isn’t all about the dance music and a DJ. Rather, pick out your own jams on the jukebox TouchTunes and sit back to enjoy a draft or bottled beer at the full-length bar.
Yet Glascott’s isn’t just a place to chill; there’s a pool table in the back room in the sometimes-party room, and a Silver Strike video bowling game, if that strikes your fancy. If you work up an appetite, Glascott’s doesn’t offer any food, but they do let you bring in gyros or any other Greek food from the connecting restaurant, the Athenian Room.
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A different Waterhouse Tavern every night
Tucked next to the Paulina brown line el stop, Waterhouse is the local watering hole that changes atmospheres depending on the day of the week. On weeknights, expect a laid-back bar with plenty of specials, from $3 burgers on Monday to ½ price sangria, beers, and well cocktails on Thursday. On Purdue game nights, Waterhouse also offers $5 Bacardi bombs and $5 Purdue 22oz mugs while patrons watch the game. On Fridays and Saturday late-nights, expect more of a club vibe with a dedicated dance floor in the back.
Waterhouse Tavern is the sister bar to Bluelight, Rebel Bar & Grill, as well as Pitchfork.
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A bit o’ Irish at Fado Pub
Fado may be a national chain, but it’s also an authentic Irish pub that plays everything from Chicago baseball to English football on its TV screens. In Chicago's Fado, the perfect pint is always poured on the third and first floor. There’s a second floor, too, but it’s mainly just for eating boxty quesadillas and drinking Guinness and Harp. While an open third floor allows for some great live music on the weekends, the first floor is more private with it’s labyrinth of walls and booths. Yet, no matter where you sit to enjoy your beer and semi-Irish food, there’s sure to be a piece of Irish memorabilia nearby--or a toucan.
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Hopleaf hops no matter the time of day/night
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Even when every seat is taken in Hopleaf, it’s considered a slow night. But when patrons pack inside for the extensive beer list and gourmet restaurant menu, things really get hopping at Hopleaf. Despite the busy bar, the atmosphere is decidedly laid back both on the first and top floors.
When waiting for a table, grab a beer and maybe even a book on the history of beers and liquors. Hopleaf’s small library is appropriate for this tavern, considering it opened 18 years ago, just before the craft beer market exploded. Today, it offers more than 250 beer options.
The tavern opens at 3pm every day of the week, 365 days a year.
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NV Penthouse Lounge: Don’t Be Jealous
OK so we admit, NV Penthouse Lounge has a point: we're envious. Who wouldn't be of their 600 square foot terrace on the penthouse floor over looking the entire city of Chicago? Thankfully this place is open to the public so we can all go in and soak up the scene and pretend just for a night, that we own the place.
The green light emanating from this sexy club (if you ever get yourself off the terrace to actually spend time in it) is probably a play on being green with jealousy, we get it. But just check it at the door so there's no hating and you can dance amongst all the beautiful people without stirring up too much trouble. This place is one to see and be seen but do it with love people.
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IO Theater: SNL Loves Them So You Should Too
Yes Chi-town is a funny freaking city. Ever stop to think how many native Chicagoans star on SNL and are the comedic stars of the big screen? And when SNL is ready for new cast members, guess where they recruit? Yep, Chicago. Not just Second City either, in the Lakeview neighborhood, just a hop skip and a jump away from Wrigely Field is the IO Theater - the best of the city's improv.
Spectators are oohed and ahhed over the skills of these actor slash comedians as they whip up entire musicals based on words provided by the audience. From cabaret to the just plain bizarre one thing is sure here - you won't leave without a side ache.
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Ontourage: The Club Not the Show
Sexy, hip and in your face, Ontourage splashed on the Chi-town scene in a big way with its super techy sound from the future. The only club in the US to use JBL "Custom Shop Dance 3" audio system - guests beware. This is serious stuff: 10,000 square feet of sensory satisfaction.
With two dance floors, four bars and seven VIP areas, this multi-million dollar club and its fancy sound and Inlaid Color Kinetics System should keep the chicest of club snobs happy.
House and hip hop fans: unite to the sound while VIP folks - sip your Perignon and be merry.
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Smartbar Proves Wisdom Comes with Age
With a new nightclub opening each month, the hotspot seekers are never short on a new place to call home- even if for a day. But Smartbar has built a reputation of quality that keeps it packed every night. Smartbar in Lakeview, just below its equally popular sister venue, The Metro, has been going strong since 1982. In club years that's the equivalent to a dynasty's ruling.
Aesthetically Smartbar is nothing to brag about. The drinks aren't exciting or unique. The dancefloor? It's not even that big. Yet, Smartbar continues to host hot crowds night after night, year after year, and pull in some of the biggest names in DJ culture. Notably, the favorites from Om Records like Kaskade and Collette are always true to Smartbar.
DJs and killer beats aside, an evening here guarantees a night of authentic house music. After all Chi-town invented house music back with Frankie Knuckles in the 1980s- so of course there had to be a club that stayed true to this legacy!
Verdict? Smartbar will always remain smart: posers and fair-weather fans need not apply.
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10 Pin Puts a New Spin on Bowling
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Revolution Brewery: We all Want to Change the World
Micro-breweries are so hot right now. Chicagoans said they want a revolution (from dull beer) and they got one with Revolution Brewery.
Managing Partner, Josh Deth is just the man to bring on the revolution as his long history with beer (working with, not only drinking) began with iconic Chicago's Goose Island Brewery.
All draft beers at the bar appear as arms and fists, a slew of revolution hungry revelers. And the brews that pour from them? Salivate over the sounds of the Iron Fist Pale Ale: dry-hopped American ale featuring centennial, cascade, chinook and amarillo hop or the summer special, Rosie: tart summer ale infused with 12lbs of hibiscus flowers and orange peel with a sexy pink hue.
And though beer technically is a food source (right?), they do serve chewable food as well - and darn good grub at that. A hearty brunch, tasty pizzas and the classic Iron Fist Fish & Chips.
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Blush at Crimson Lounge
When Hotel Sax came on the Chi-town radar it was quite big news. Replacing the House of Blues Hotel was major pressure and they were up for the challenge. Instead of following in the colorful Moroccan footsteps of their predecessors, Hotel Sax stepped up a classy vibe with all white.
With the hotel of course, the need for an amazing lounge slash club was definitely needed and again, Hotel Sax delivered. Crimson Lounge pulls lines for entrance, lines of beautiful people waiting for beautiful cocktails.
Come on a night when DJ resident Samantha Ronson, ex of crazy Lindsay Lohan and expect to wait your pretty time to get in if you don't arrive early.
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Suite Lounge is Simply Sweet
Entering Chicago's Suite Lounge is like stepping into a cave with an atmosphere that could leave you thinking you were anywhere from Barcelona to Berlin. Stones line the wall with shadowy uplighting to create a chic and sexy atmosphere. And if you think the atmosphere is sexy, just wait until you see the martinis -- like the Carrot Cake which has Kahlua, Jaegermeister, Bailey's, butterscotch and a frosting rim -mmmm!
From the Banana Split to the PB & Chocolate, the martinis at Suite Lounge are simply sweet! And they don't stop there, plenty of bubbly, house specialties, scotch and beer round off the menu.
The people here? They're as beautiful as the cocktails, so don't skim on your pre-primping routine before coming here or you'll stick out in a bad way. The music will get the gorgeous crowd moving from time to time, but due to pressure of looking good, expect more bar mingling than dancing here. Besides, there are just way too many amazing martinis to try to leave time for much else: Bottoms up!
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Martinis & Manicures at Beauty Bar Chi-Town
With celeb DJs and special guest performers like Vampire Weekend, Beauty Bar Chicago makes sure to play homage to its host city by bringing back "Spandexx," once a popular event at the now-closed lounge, Sonotheque, with DJ Moneypenny, Sadie White and Team Bayside (holler to Saved by the Bell). True to form, the bar is retro deliciousness with mod mirrors, vintage posters, a disco ball and fun retro bar chairs.With a changing list of relevant DJs pumping out inspiring beats, and a disco-ball room inspired for dancing only, this manicure lounge slash bar, also doubles as a fab dance club.
With a fresh coat of paint on your paws, a tasty cocktail in your belly and happy memories swirling in your head, consider this: Beauty Bar is available for private parties and you can shop the look at its store (online too) for fun shirts and kitchy gifts.
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From Classic Blues to Progressive DJs at House of Blues
Inside, the mish-mash of bright decor and blues memorabilia houses a restaurant full of hearty home cookin' plates of goodness, an area large of enough for 1,000 dancin' bodies and an intimate stage - perfect for grabbing great views of your favorite stars. Having hosted a long list of greats since its opening in 1996 like B.B. King, The Who, Pearl Jam and Al Green, the "House" stays true to its roots by housing a box full of mud from the Delta Mississippi underneath its stage - how's that for a fun fact?
Night after night, Chicagoans and tourists count on this classic for the best of yesterday's, today's and tomorrow's hot artists. And yes club kids - that means you too! Plenty of world famous DJs also adorn the HOB Chicago stage!
Insider's Tip: If you love the HOB Chicago so much, become a member of the Foundation Room, a unique bar full of 300 year old international artifacts, three "prayer rooms" a full bar, dinner menu and great people-watching all attached to the main room. No Member's Only Jacket included, unfortunately.
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Lose the Blues by Finding Them at Blue Chicago
penetrates out of alley ways, bars and subways. With so many blues clubs and street performers to enjoy it can be hard to filter down which to visit on any given night. When in doubt, always pick Blue Chicago.
Seven days a week, Blue Chicago has live performances pulsating from within its bricked walls and dark room. There you'll find up-and-comers amongst the most famous blues musicians to have ever sung a tune. Whether you're there to sit in a dark corner, sip whiskey and sway back and forth, or get your butt on the dance floor and sweat (plenty of sets worthy of shaking your booty), Blue Chicago packs the house night after night. So just as Frank Sinatra advised, "you'll lose the blues in Chicago," it comes full circle. A night of blues music just may be the ultimate way to -- lose them.
Insider Tip: Sunday - Thursday cover charge is $8 cash only and Friday - Saturday is $10 cash only.
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Drink Your Way Through Dinner at Prosecco
Making a toast is oh-so-easy at Chicago's chic River North Gallery district's restaurant, Prosecco. After all, they have the largest selection of sparkling wines in the whole city. White linen tables, authentic seasonal Italian cuisine with homemade pastas, and plenty of romantic ambiance make this place a hotspot for dates-- and for those looking for love.
At Prosecco it's not just about making that initial toast with the sparkling wine, however. The mantra is that the sparkling wines of Italy stand alone, both the reds and the whites and need not/should not be limited only as a starter beverage, but rather enjoyed throughout the duration of the meal. For those unfamiliar with the pairing of sparkling wines for each course, leave it to the friendly staff to guide you to the bubbly of your preferences. And don't forget about the elegant Italian food that's made Prosecco one of the best new restaurants in Chicago.
The bar here is equally as fun as the ristorante. Painted to look like Caravaggio's "Confessional of St. Paul," it's the drinks that will have people confessing, like the Mionetto Brut Prosecco with Chambord and 24 carat gold dust! The long, classic bar is one of the best in the city, making it perfect for those wishing to get buzzed on bubbly wine with a new, special someone.
When a quick trip to Veneto, Italia isn't quite doable, Prosecco should suffice just fine. Cheers to that.
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Chicago Mob History 101 at the Green Mill Jazz Lounge
Back in the day the place had an outdoor dancing and drinking garden lit by lanterns, where people arrived by horse and buggy. The garden was complete with horse-hitching posts. It soon transpired to be a mobster hangout when some of Al Capone's henchmen became part owners. So much drama went down here that Sinatra himself played a singer whose throat and tongue were once slit in this club over good ol' mobster issues. Alas, Sinatra had to spend some quality time for "research" at the Green Mill as well.
It survived prohibition as a speakeasy and the decor of that era remains. Today, you can catch killer jazz there any night of the week, Mondays being a favorite for the Patricia Barber quartet. It's all about the music and history here so don't get too glammed up unless you're trying to live vicariously through its history by transporting yourself in an immersion of jazz notes, strong cocktails and a big black booth that maybe Capone himself sat in: in which case, you just may be able to pull it off.
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Sexy People, Champagne and Beats at Cuvee
uber-chic club/lounge in Chi-town's River North. For the many fans of Enclave, they are sure to enjoy Cuvee, owned by the same troupe. To enter though, you'll first have to pass the test, so dress up or you can call it at night at a pizza joint elsewhere. And don't get confused trying to find your way in, it's a back alley entrance only.
As the name suggests, the go-to drink here is of course Champagne. As the word cuvée in French- from the region of Champagne specifically- refers to the best of the best in Champagne as it comes from only the first 2,050 liters of the pressed grape juice. DJ beats, sexy crowd and plenty of bubbly make for a great option for dancing, mixing and mingling. As for date night, you may want to skip this one.
Insider Tip: Make a table service reservation online to get the most out of your experience.
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Enclave Encapsulates all the Beautiful People
a few.
Here, it's all about bottle service. They've got anything you want, as long as it's upscale. Whether it's magnums of champagne (the real stuff only) or the hot, new, trendy vodka (Grey Goose or Effen), it all comes with fresh flowers and carafes of juice.
House and hip hop beats penetrate with an array of different hot DJs on the weekends and plenty of events to keep the year rolling; from football parties for Northwestern to Lady GaGa mixing it up with the locals. The two-story, 15,000 square foot space has chic, shiny wood floors, beautiful sofas and intimate-inspiring sheer curtains.
With never-ending A-List events and a hot, young, Chicago crowd, Enclave is the place to be for some serious partying in Chi-town.
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Jersey Chasers Score at The Fifty/50
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Illuminate Yourself at Lumen
Meatpacking district in Chicago. Confused? Chi-town also has a meatpacking district and it happens to be at the cusp of the fastlane. Known as Fulton Market, this 'hood is opening up hot little numbers each and every month. Whether it's the bistro-du-jour or a great new lounge, this neighborhood is a bouncin'.
One of the newer favorites is the contemporary lounge-slash-dance space, Lumen. With 5,000 square feet of space, Lumen describes itself as "a visual indulgence for the eyes," so too is the crowd that adorns it. Those there to chill and those there to dance all have one thing in common: they're dressed to impress.
The 3-D sound system and accompanying uber-technologically advanced light system at Lumen is enough to transport guests to a true escape. The sound? Depending on the night you'll find your regular hot-list for Chicago party-goers: jazz, chill-lounge and deep house.
As for the social elixir of life to keep you going whilst there? Choose amongst their chic list of cocktails all bearing the name of a different locale: Tahiti, Casablanca, Geneva. Havana, and Milan.
There isn't a drink called "Meat-packer" - yet.
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It’s Paradise at the Crimson Lounge
People looking to paint the town red won't have to search too hard in the Windy City. Such sought after DJs like Samantha Ronson have been known to spin at this lounge where a sultry setting and creative cocktails create a nocturnal paradise for party goers. Glowing crimson mirrors and globally inspired accents are icing on the cake at this exotic venue that promises adventure.
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Eat, Drink and Dance at Nacional 27
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Luxbar
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Elbo Room
There’s a reason they call this the Elbo room. While the upstairs is low key, downstairs there is loud music appealing to so many that sometimes there’s not even elbow room between people who want to listen. Arrive early.
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Redhead Piano Bar