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 Big bites with a view |
151 E Wacker Dr Chicago, IL 60601 United States +1 312 565 1234 http://chicagoregency.hyatt.co... |
Bigger is better here. Located in the Hyatt Regency in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, BIG Bar and Brassiere lives up to its name, boasting the longest free-standing bar in North America. In addition top-notch city views through windows lined with over 1,400 liquor bottles, BIG bar draws a fun, after work crowd with its oversized appetizers and drinks. Guests can choose from three sizes when making their cocktail or beer selections, big, bigger and biggest, or for groups try the 108 ounce "Long Neck Beer Tower" which holds enough beer to fill about 9 mugs! A fun and satisfying stop while downtown in the Windy City. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Alisa Cooper |
 Photo: mbaylor  |
 Blues and eats in a jazzy environment |
1550 North Rand Road Chicago, IL 60067 United States +1 847 776 9850 xblknblux@cs.com |
Whether you want to dance, dine or just listen to blues, this nightclub fits the bill. Built on three levels, it has hosted the sounds of such musicians as Koko Taylor, Otis Rush, Son Seals, Magic Slim, Lonnie Brooks, Sugar Blue and Mighty Joe Young. The dinner menu is replete with mouth-watering specialties, including chicken masala for $13.95, braised baby back ribs for $15.95 and grilled salmon Angelique for $18.95. The average cost for meals is $12-16, though you will definitely spend more if you want cocktails. If you are interested in booking a private party, groups of up to 250 persons can be accommodated. On weekends, expect a cover of $10. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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1940s style night club |
230 West North Avenue Piper's Alley Chicago, IL 60610 United States +1 312 944 2200 |
After you leave here, you might long for the days when you could actually have visited the real thing. It seems that a 1940s nightclub has been on-and-off in the works in Chicago for years, but this club finally opened at Pipers Alley in Old Town. Singer Celeste Holme fronts a 16-piece band as you sip cocktails and buy cigarettes from the cigarette girl. This is an experience not readily had anywhere else in the country so it's worth a visit, if for no other reason then to dig big band. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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See Here |
853, North Western Avenue Chicago, IL United States +1 773 395 3002 |
Full of young hipsters, this bar used to be the place to be for those Vertigo fans. However, if you're having trouble recognizing the place, thats because it has recently been remodeled and features an entirely new space (that is, if you've never been to Lava Lounge on Damon Avenue.) There's no food here, so make sure you grab something before your night of drinking. If you need a snack, there's some peanuts and chips if you ask the bartender. They are the ones that run the music too, so if you have something in mind just give them a shout. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Red All Over |
333, N Dearborn Street Chicago, IL United States +1 312 923 2473 |
Upscale drinking and ambiance. If you're driving, you might want to consider taking a taxi. This place gets pretty packed on the weekends so it can be hard to find a parking space. Valet is also on hand if you get too frustrated. Don't worry about drinking too much, the bar is located in the Hotel Sax if you need a place to crash. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Traditional Irish in Chi-town |
3701, N. Broadway Chicago, IL 60613 United States |
Have you fallen victim to the common stereotypes about English and Irish food? You know, something along the lines of how the only spice they use is butter? If so, there is an Irish restaurant in the heart of Chicago that will sway your opinion. It's called Finleys and its blocks away from Wrigley Field in the Lakeview neighborhood. The restaurant serves traditional Irish Food and stocks a wide variety of European beers on tap. To add to the authenticity, some of the furniture is traditionally hand made Irish furniture. If you're in the mood to rethink an old stereotype and have the correct meal to complement a Guinness, or four, Finley's just may very well be your place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rock is up its alley |
2646 West Fullerton Avenue Chicago, IL 60647 United States +1 773 486 2700 http://www.firesidebowl.com/ booking@firesidebowl.com |
This place is rarely used as a bowling alley these days. Now it is more of a punk-rock castle that showcases such acts as Star Vehicle, a local celebrity noise band. It has not lost its edge over the years, and there are still crowds averaging around 300, although capacity is 800. The lounge bar is fully stocked, offering domestic and imported beers. Take heart, though - you can still bowl if you really want to. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: John Martine |
 Photo: Jackie Byrd |
 Photo: chris dilts |
 Photo: Kumar McMillan |
 Photo: Kimberly Pendell |
 Photo: Additive Theory |
 Photo: Clint Hadden |
 Photo: kosukeweb |
 Photo: Patrick Houdek |
 Photo: Leah Jones |
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1960s and 70s redux |
4660 West 147th Street Chicago, IL 60445 United States +1 847 776 3700 |
"You can tell by the way I use my walk..." goes the song from Saturday Night Fever, and this place is all about that leopard-skin strut, complete with checkerboard dance floor and lava lamp waterfalls. It also offers eye-candy in the form of a blacklight poster wall and enough swirling lights to make even the most hardened nightclub-goers lose their lunches. Barber Chair Shots are available, if you dare. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Irish settler |
1638 West Belmont Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 472 5139 http://www.gunthermurphys.com/ scott@abbeypub.com |
The owners of this Irish bar named the place "Gunther" Murphy's to memorialize the German restaurant that used to occupy the building. It's a sight more authentic than the tourist-trap Irish pubs that seem to be springing up around Chicago. Local rock and Irish bands play on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. It has great pints of Guinness, Bass and Harp. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Soumit Nandi |
 Photo: Prize Beagle |
 Photo: Chuck Sudo |
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Wild times on the island |
2834 North River Road (between Belmont and Grand Avenue) Chicago, IL 60171-1326 United States +1 708 456 3222 http://www.hala-kahiki.com/ Info@hala-kahiki.com |
This place is amazing. Everything you ever heard about a tiki bar is represented here, including a vast and bizarre garden of Hawaiian delights, filled with cut-out turkeys and Easter Island heads. Each room is darkly lit and strewn with tiki wood and beads. There is also a gift shop filled with authentic flower leis and assorted knick knacks such as, hand-carved tusks and buddha statuettes. The drinks are moderately priced and taste a lot like candy. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Denise S. Sanderson |
 Photo: Lisa Marie Kuta |
 Photo: melissa |
 Photo: bakuhatsu1 |
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Fire's Den |
2274 North Lincoln Avenue On the corner of Lincoln and Orchard Streets Chicago, IL 60614-3718 United States +1 773 472 7940 http://www.halliganbarchicago.com info@halliganbarchicago.com |
Firemen being the theme of this Irish pub you will find things like hoses, axes, alarms,and nozzles a part of the decor at Halligan Bar. Fire being the theme; the welcome offered is also warm and cosy. Drinks like the Bluemoon, Guinness, Effen cocktails are a must try. Sport enthusiasts can always go for all the pro and college games. A favorite haunt with the mature office-goers. And of course the firemen are a staple of this happening place. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Dine with the blues |
329 North Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60610 United States +1 312 923 2000 http://www.hob.com/ |
House of Blues, famous at its many locations around the globe, loses none of the glamour and glitz of its "faux dive" specialty here! Outsider art hangs all over the place from floor to ceiling, and you get the feel of being in a perverted opera house. With seating more than 1,500 people, HOB lets visitors catch a concert while snacking on such menu selections as "The Elwood" (blackened chicken sandwich with chili garlic mayonnaise, green chilies and sour cream served with seasoned french fries). Average menu prices are about $9, topping out at $21 for a New York strip steak. There is live music seven nights a week, with cover charges ranging from $10 to $25. Music styles are not limited to the blues— jazz, rock and such favorite bands as Duran Duran and Styx are also featured. You must make a reservation ahead of time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Andy Scudder |
 Photo: Dasha Anokhina |
 Photo: Tony |
 Photo: Allison Turrell |
 Photo: Matthew Watts |
 Photo: Cat Conway |
 Photo: lee.eel |
 Photo: Corey Sechrist |
 Photo: Lisa-Marie Jordan |
 Photo: Xara Gobhai |
 Photo: Jeff Houck/SideSalad |
 Photo: Max Kleinman |
 Photo: Ted Tronson |
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Hooked On A Hookah |
3308 North Harlem Chicago, IL 60634 United States +1 773 637 3600 |
Have a smoking night at the Hubble Hookah. The Hookah is also known as the 'Shisha'. Ambiance is relaxing with Eastern touches in both authentic-flavored food and the ethnic interiors. Hook up with any one of the 65 flavors of finest tobacco from Chicago while sipping on organic teas and espresso. Mid-eastern influences with a twist; that is how the hookah made by experts is served, making it the perfect pastime. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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The Red Apple |
108, West Kinzie Street Chicago, IL United States +1 312 245 9555 |
French for "Red Apple," this bar has a certain "je ne sais quoi". The bar has a turn-of-the-century vibe with bits of Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Victorian flair interspersed. Most of the original pieces are mirrors, stools, paintings, and other items that really give you the feeling of having been transported back in time. Its a fairly large venue with three rooms that are available for private parties. They also hold regularly scheduled events such as intellectual readings and performances. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Local tavern and coffee bar |
1949 North Hoyne Chicago, IL 60647 United States +1 773 252 7636 http://www.maproom.com/ info@maproom.com |
Owners Mark and Laura Blasingame have made this place into an expression of their love for world travel, and the free buffet every Tuesday night, served to reflect the cuisine of a different country every week, is only the first indication of that love. The walls are lined with bookshelves housing a variety of atlases and travel guides, Internet connections are available to help plan your next world voyage, and perhaps most importantly, the draught beer list includes a variety of exciting imports (including Belgians like St. Feuillien, Achouffe and Urthel). On Fridays, enjoy live blues and on Saturday, live jazz. There is no cover charge for either night. See website for details on the quarterly "Cafe Scientifique" lecture/discussion series. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Free |
 Photo: Joe Chinni |
 Photo: Joe Murphy |
 Photo: Johnny Golden |
 Photo: Jennifer the Intern |
 Photo: Urban Echo |
 Photo: Dara Gocheski |
 Photo: Jason Forest |
 Photo: conclusionsyllogism |
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Chill out upstairs, dance below |
3101, N Sheffield Avenue Chicago, IL 60657 United States 773 883 4400 http://www.matilda-babyatlas.com Kevin@matilda-babyatlas.com |
The décor at Matilda's is all about symbols and themes- from the giant clock hanging outside the door that represents the power of time, to the zinc and chrome interior. And everything about the babyATLAS, the bar below Matilda, is about dancing. Above ground, you'll find a comfortable lounge serving a full menu with entrees averaging $10, as well as a full bar with draft beers, martinis and a wide selection of wines. Down below the atmosphere changes, with different music and drinks appropriate for the dancing crowd. And as far as décor goes- downstairs the conversation piece is the giant neon word "ASS" mounted on the wall. You must be at least 23 to get through the door. -Lindsey Klingele Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Rollicking Wrigleyville bar |
3655 North Sheffield Chicago, IL 60613 United States +1 773 281 5356 http://www.murphysbleachers.com |
As promised by its name, Murphy's Bleachers lies just across the street from venerable Wrigley Field. On game days, massive crowds jam into the open-air bar and spill out onto the sidewalk before and after the game. Cub fans, yuppies and tourists alike enjoy cold beer, hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken sandwiches. The roof can be rented out for groups to watch the game. At more sedate times (like October), visitors can examine the extensive collection of sports memorabilia that adorns the walls. For those wanting to take something home other than a hangover, Murphy's Bleachers has an extensive line of memorabilia like nice bulky sweatshirts adorned with the club's logo. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher Skillman |
 Photo: Vernon Balanza |
 Photo: Jeff Woelker |
 Photo: art.bikes |
 Photo: Don W. Ward |
 Photo: Adam Jordan |
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Hookah it Up!! |
806 West Randolph Street Chicago, IL 60607 United States +1 312 421 7007 |
Nar Hookah, is the place to head for if you are in the mood for live music and flavored tobacco. An ideal choice for a group to meet and have coffee, drinks or a hookah. The jasmine-mint flavor is a must have, also on the list are passion fruit, mangosten, guava; flavors for every palate. Saturday night's live music and belly dancing are an absolute treat to watch out for. A place to meet, and socialize without any strain on your pocket. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Popular spot for the Gothic minded |
2350 North Clark Street Chicago, IL 60614 United States +1 773 528 2622 |
Blink, and you might miss it. When you pass Urban Outfitters walking south (towards the Loop) on Clark Street, turn right down the first alley. Yes, this gloomy, dark hangout for the Gothic and industrial crowd is located, appropriately, in an alley. Make sure only to come after midnight - the place is well, kind of dead until then. After the midnight hour, this dark club packs them in as they dance (sort of) to techno music, and occasionally look up to catch the avant-garde film clips on the monitors above the tiny bar. Admission varies, call for details. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 All the fun of the beach... indoors |
1551North Sheffield Avenue Chicago, IL 60622 United States +1 312 266 7842 http://www.northbeachchicago.com/ |
Put on your shorts, the Bermuda shirt and head on over to North Beach, a sports bar where you can actually play sports. If you love the beach and hate the winters, this is your paradise. There are three beach volleyball courts with real sand, four bowling lanes, a small basketball court and a mini-golf course. To make it even more authentic, there are tons of fruity drinks to choose from, with a solid selection of beers as well. So, even if the weather outside is below zero, you can remember what it is like in Chicago in July while you count down the days to when you can experience the real thing once again. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Live It Up! |
509 North Wells Street Chicago, IL 60610 United States +1 312 467 3300 |
Named after the 'Pepper Canister' a neighborhood haunt in Dublin, this tavern lives up to its name. Peppy and Zingy the atmosphere here livens up the evening, for the office goers and the young alike. With its church themed decor you will find high ceilings, photos of churches, complete to a booth called the 'Confessional'. The menu is impressive with traditional European fare like the Calamari, Irish favorites like fish-n-chips and even "angelic starters". Complete your meal with cold drafts or one of the special cocktails like 'casual fling'. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Boogie all night long |
213 West Institute Place Between Franklin and Wells Streets Chicago, IL 60610 United States +1 312 664 0777 http://www.pollyesthers.com/ info@pollyesthers.com |
The best of the 1970s and 80s come back in groovy living color and sound in this nightspot. Leisure-suited hustlers and frosty-eyed bumpers can get it on to disco music on the "Deca Dance" floor. If you are craving the 80s, you will find it in the "Culture Club" downstairs, complete with Madonna, Pac Man and Van Halen. Take a sip down memory lane with TV and movie themed drinks: "Sonny," "Cher," "Raging Bullwinkle," "The Godfather," and "Jaws." Hang out in other time zones in the Partridge Bus, Lava Bar, Lunch Box Lounge and the Luv Bug. Average cost per drink: $7. Cover: $10. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Food and Sports Here |
3258 North Southport Avenue Corner of Southport and school Chicago, IL 60657 United States +1 773 528 8226 http://schoolyardtavern.com/ violeta@fourcornerstaverns.com |
Best Neighborhood Bar in Lakeview in a the Best of Chicago 2007; is Schoolyard Tavern & Grill. The interiors take you back to college with a library-like feel. The food list is small yet impressive with Chicken Tortilla, The Principal Burger, and kids stuff like Dino Chix. A great venue for meets, you can also drink up from one of the delectable choices; the Paringa Cabernet, Blue Moon Belgian White and more. If nothing else you can just watch games on any one of the 16 screens put up near the bar. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Hoe down on the dance floor and in the kitchen |
1970 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60614 United States +1 312 642 0007 |
Stanley's is really two establishments in one. When you first walk in, there is a large bar/dance area that can be described as country barn chic. Beyond the bar is a restaurant that serves comfort food like mashed potatoes and meat loaf. The dining room was fashioned by a movie set designer to look like a kitchen from a 1950s television sitcom. You will not find TV's Beaver, but you will find plenty of plastic toys to play with as you wait for your food. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: covecabin |
 Photo: Richard Cawood |