It turns out Saturday night’s low of 34 degrees was just chilly enough to keep Vertigo’s new outdoor bar, a ten-foot-long counter made from some 3,000 pounds of ice, cold—and most patrons indoors. Still, we spotted a clutch of jolly bar-hoppers hanging out on the 26th-floor terrace, ordering spiked snow cones and enjoying the view.
Just when I was gearing up for winter hibernation, the bait nightspots are dangling to lure drinkers in from the cold got the best of me. I’d be on liver-failure alert if I tried to make it to every opening, promotion, special event, and unveiling, but here—in no particular order—are my picks for the five most tempting reasons to leave the house this week. Well, these and the fact that it’s not really that bleak out. You know, for January.
Pollack’s Dinner at Cuna in 161 Words
With its sleek industrial design, Cuna (1113 W. Belmont Ave.; 312-224-8588) looks every inch a lounge scene: black and smoky gray colors, brick walls, high-top tables, red leather–padded eggshell-shaped stools. But Kendal Duque (opening chef at Sepia) runs the kitchen, so the place is serious about…
Below, our picks for the top ten suburban favorites: Bars in Flossmoor, Aurora, Naperville, River Grove, Villa Park, La Grange, Oak Brook, Libertyville and Glenview
1 BIG STAR 1531 N. Damen Ave. This hot spot’s spirits director made six trips to Kentucky to tailor the 50-strong whiskey and bourbon list. If you take it straight, try the $3 daily shot. Related: Seen on the Scene – Weekend Photos 2 PITCHFORK FOOD & SALOON 2922 W. Irving Park Rd. Another … Read more
Yes, Lincoln Hall has top-notch acoustics. But in a neighborhood of college kids, we’re just happy to see some adults
On Friday the masses flocked to the grand opening of Cuna, a loungey new dinner and drinks spot in Lake View. Maybe it was the food, by the former Sepia chef Kendal Duque. Maybe it was the beats, spun by the longtime Chicago DJ Jesse De La Pena…
We came. We saw. We quaffed. A discriminating guide to the area’s top watering holes
UPDATE: All appearances by Jersey Shore cast members in Chicago this weekend have been canceled, according to reports
I had a disturbing phone conversation yesterday with my uncle Jack. “My mission this week is to get my picture taken with as many Jersey Shore cast members as possible,” I told him.
“What’s Jersey Shore?” he replied…
