Headquarters 2833 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-665-5660, hqbeercade.com This Lincoln Park newcomer looks like just another horrible screen-filled place. But step inside and you’ll find rows and rows of the best classic arcade games (Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, Pac-Man), a recently expanded pinball machine section, and a bar serving specialty cocktails and craft beers (16 currently … Read more
Begyle Brewing Co. 1800 W. Cuyler Ave., 773-661-6963, begylebrewing.com Best new: This Kickstarter-funded venture calls itself a CSB—community-supported brewer—an arrangement in which subscribers will fill their growlers with a new beer every month. Turns out, it’s also an ambitious brewery, working from a 5,000-square-foot headquarters in the Ravenswood corridor. Although the storefront is at least … Read more
Carriage House 1700 W. Division St., 773-384-9700, carriagehousechicago.com Best new: The folksy, laid-back vibe at this Wicker Park charmer is a welcome vacation from the turn-’em-and-burn-’em brunches around town. As both the hung-over revelers and the stroller-pushing moms in the room will attest, Mark Steuer’s low-country-themed menu is an ode to Southern mornings well lived: … Read more
Parson’s Chicken & Fish 2952 W. Armitage Ave., 773-384-3333, parsonschickenandfish.com Best new: Since Parson’s opened in mid-May, the wait for one of its 40 inside seats has clocked in at upward of two hours—rain or shine. What the cluck is going on in there? Some kick-ass cornmeal-crusted fried chicken, that’s what. True, this joint has … Read more
Gaslight Coffee Roasters 2385 N. Milwaukee Ave., gaslightcoffeeroasters.com Best new: Over the course of this year’s bean boom, adorable coffee shops have been popping up in every corner of town, a handful of which are brewing their own roasts. The best among the new crop of small-batch artisans? Gaslight, for the incredible pours that go … Read more
All the wine and cheese choices will give you and your new friend lots to discuss.
High-concept and low-cost in Logan Square, plus Grant Achatz’s trendsetting concept bar.
La Petite Folie 1504 E. 55th St., 773-493-1394 Best date-night dinner: The new restaurants opening soon in HP will have a hard time outclassing the service and sumptuous French dishes at this pitch-perfect bistro. Bonjour Café Bakery 1550 E. 55th St., 773-241-5300 Best dessert destination: This elegant patisserie could use more seats, but hang in … Read more
North Shore approaches its 10th anniversary with consistently delicious spirits and a newly expanded tasting room and patio.
Mas Alla Del Sol 5848 N. Broadway, 773-654-1900 Best date-night dinner: The vibe (friendly) and noise level (low enough to talk) are just right at this modern cantina, which serves big portions of tasty Tex-Mex and great guac. First Slice Pie Café 5357 N. Ashland Ave., 773-275-4297 Best dessert destination: Granted, it’s hot as an … Read more
