This casual spot next to the cheese shop Pastoral is filled with North Siders catching up over plates of charcuterie. Friendly servers will guide you through the 21 wines available by the glass, which include some excellent European and West Coast vintages. 5212 N. Clark St., 773-358-7181 Crowd Relaxed and all ages Food Cheeses, meats, … Read more
Hit this companion to divey diner reboot Johnny’s Grill if you’re looking for a quiet place to get a simple, affordable beer or glass of wine. In this neighborhood, that’s increasingly rare. 3149 W. Logan Blvd., 773-278-2215 Crowd Dressed-down clusters of friends Food Diner eats from Johnny’s Top Tipple Moody Tongue nectarine IPA, $6
Salvation is at hand for those sick of fighting the sloppy, slurring masses on Division Street. No meat market here‚ just rum and hotel-lobby-themed poshness. 12 W. Elm St., 312-725-0732 Crowd Couples in heels and ties out for a nightcap Food None Top Tipple La Floridita No. 3 (white rum, maraschino cherry, lime, grapefruit), $12
Welcome to the most romantic new lounge in the city. Whether you’re on your first date or 50th, you’ll appreciate the mood lighting, velvet upholstery, and mellow cocktails. 1749 N. Damen Ave., 773-697-3315 Crowd J.Crew-clad couples Food Full dinner menu Top Tipple Sweater Weather (sherry, Scotch, spiced chamomile cider syrup, lemon, dried apple, grated cinnamon), … Read more
Bixi SUMMER An Asian-inspired hang with brews and a rooftop deck from burger master Bo Fowler (Owen & Engine) 2515 N. Milwaukee Ave., Logan Square Cruz Blanca SPRING It’s surprising that it’s taken Rick Bayless, a guy who does a little of everything, this long to get into the beer game. Look for Latin twists … Read more
These three drinking spots got big makeovers last year.
Two to sip, two to skip
Yep, more Paul McGee (see No. 1), this time showing off a collection of rare spirits in a tiny nook of the Chicago Athletic Association hotel. In exchange for some inconvenience—you have to put down $50 in advance to reserve one of the eight stools for a two-hour seating—you’ll sip some of the smoothest cocktails … Read more
This bare-bones space loses points for a scarcity of creature comforts (such as seating), though it’s all in the service of the standout base menu of complex, malty beers, which are approachable yet still interesting enough for seasoned drinkers. But the “experimental brews” are a beer geek’s dream come true: Hop-obsessed staffers ask for your … Read more
After the Illinois legislature overturned a statewide ban on happy hour
last August, after-work drink specials proliferated, and not just at bars.
Here are some exceptional deals at top restaurants—and when to get ’em.
