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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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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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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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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.