All About Chicago Bars
Chicago is a great sports city with die-hard fans of its Bears, Bulls, Cubs and the world champion Chicago White Sox. Even if you don’t like baseball, you’ll have the time of your life as Ferris Bueller while watching a Cubs game at Wrigley. Windy City does a good job of mixing in the new while maintaining its old world charm. Incorporated as a city in 1833, Chicago has grown to become the third largest city in the country (population over 3 million), the birthplace of the first skyscraper, and one of the few international cities in the US today. Today, Chicago offers a truly cosmopolitan flair that adds to any visitor’s big city adventure: a beautiful city in the heart of the Midwest that exudes a spirit of energy.
With 77 neighborhoods (yes, we said 77), you can jump from one to the next in a split second before realizing you’re in a different area with completely new sights and sounds. With unmistakable character, each of this city’s neighborhoods offers a new variety of shops, restaurants, attractions, history and intrigue.
Shopping on Michigan Avenue. it’s really magnificent, so be sure to include it in the plan.
Chicago is also known for its deep dish pizza, so this is a must try while you’re in town. Yes, the ingredients are buried under the sauce, but trust us…it’s fantastic and worth the 40 minute wait. We like Gino’s East and Giordanno’s, but as you’ll see, there are plenty of other solid options.
Whether you want to settle into a casual neighborhood bar or slip into your best black dress for a late-night cocktail, Chicago has it all! Here are just a few of our JourneyPod picks:
RiNo: An elegant River North lounge (the name is a twist on this), RiNo features low seating, stained “pony” chairs, kudo horn chandeliers, exposed beams, and a bar made from the midsection of a 200-year-old. tree. Open until 4 a.m., RiNo attracts locals and celebrities for late-night action with a laid-back atmosphere. The music ranges from the latest hip-hop to ’80s memorabilia, and the drinks menu offers everything from canned PBRs to signature martinis and bottle service at the VIP table. No promises, but those of you hoping to beat the big coverage are advised to arrive before 11 p.m. And for all the girls, the bathrooms contain treats galore (you’ll find everything from cosmetics to lollipops). RiNo is located at 343 W. Erie St. (at Orleans St.).
Carol’s Pub (Lincoln Park) – Speaking of a traditional honky-tonk, Carol’s Pub will remind you of the days when country (and Uptown) music belonged mostly to rednecks. Drawing an eclectic crowd from early morning to early morning, this basic spot with cheap booze and an “anyone is welcome” vibe is irresistible. Founded in 1973, Carol’s Pub features weekday darts tournaments and a house band on weekends. The bar’s menu offers basic drinks, namely beer, mixed drinks and Jaeger shots; and food options that include typical bar foods like burgers, pizza, and hot wings. If you’re in the mood for karaoke, come visit us on a Thursday night. Carol’s Pub is located at 4659 N. Clark (at Leland St.).
Rockit Bar and Grill (River North): Perhaps as penance for keeping so many people waiting behind the velvet rope of Le Passage, Chicago club entrepreneurs Billy Dec and Brad Young opened this new Wild Wild West meets a multi-level big city space with an upscale bar and grill. Promising a laid-back atmosphere that “checks the attitude at the door,” Rockit is a great destination if you’re in the mood for comfort food and a western-chic late-night lounge atmosphere. Featuring a grand dining room on the first floor and an upstairs lounge with pool tables and plasma TVs designed by famed designer Nate Berkus (you know you’ve seen it on “Oprah”!) – you’ll find comfortable leather chairs chocolate color, wooden tables and exposed brick walls adorned with rustic elements. Special “Rocktails” include fruity concoctions like Bomb Pop (raspberry lemon vodkas, blue curacao, lemonade and grenadine) and Rockit Root Beer (Stoli Vanil, Godiva white chocolate liqueur and root beer). The venue is located at 22 W. Hubbard St. (bet. Dearborn State Sts.).
Fulton Street Lounge (West Loop) – Nestled between the West Loop warehouses (and right next to high-end restaurant Follia) and in the middle of Fulton’s burgeoning market district, this spot draws beautiful people for post-workout cocktails. worked. and nocturnal libations. The open setting allows the local crowds to gather without getting too crowded, and the sleek, minimalist decor adds class (and not swagger). Groups here tend to gather in the comfortable plush seats at low, game-style tables; or find your way to the summer patio. Check out the lounge’s creative seasonal martinis. Found at 955 W. Fulton Market.
Suite Lounge (Old Town): Expect a New York loft-style vibe when you arrive in this 1,800-square-foot space with a drink list that’s more like a dessert menu (think: martinis rimmed with graham cracker crumbs, Pop Rocks or icing). With a crowd of 20-40 somethings, the space has two bars, tables and booths, and several private corners for those who want to isolate themselves from the stage. Suite Lounge features house, trance and electric lounge style music influenced by Ibiza DJs. Know this: Despite its sexy interior, Suite Lounge encourages a surprisingly laid-back attitude to dress: Jeans are the standard for men and women, and you can wear your Pumas with ease. The salon is located at 1446 N. Wells St. (at Schiller St.).
DOC Wine Bar (Lincoln Park): Although the name refers to the European appellation for wine, it is also the initials for Dunlays on Clark, which features geometric design elements such as large porthole windows, a high wooden ceiling and a shiny metal rear bar and skylight. Perfect for wine aficionados who are interested in trying reasonably priced wines from around the world, DOC features 150 international bottle options, with 30 offerings by the glass. The wine bar’s menu includes small plates of options like duck quesadillas, buckweat crepes, and pizza. If you’re coming to socialize, find a seat at the bar or on the sofas that surround the fireplace or on the banquettes that line the wall. If you’re interested in a more private setting for deep conversation, try the intimate and sexy backroom drenched in scarlet! Psst… On Sundays all flights are half price; On Mondays, the 20 for $20 special offers a nice variety of options at a deep discount. DOC Wine Bar is located at 2602 N. Clark St. (at Wrightwood Ave.).
J Bar (River North) – Talk about an upscale martini lounge. Located in the sleek and luxurious James Hotel, this lounge features modern design elements, candlelit cocktail tables and plasma TV screens to set the elegant scene that begins with the velvet ropes outside. Featuring “deconstructed” versions of traditional cocktails (like the James Hotel signature martini, which features blue raspberry vodka, elderflower cordial, and served in a martini glass topped with a raspberry caramel hard shell. Remember: anchoring the southern end of Rush Street’s nightlife, J bar is a late-night destination James Hotel may be located at 610 N. Rush St. (at Wabash Ave.).
Reserve (West Loop): Looking for a chic, fashion-focused lounge, an elite atmosphere, and world-class bottle service? booking is where you go! Just be sure to dress in your best designer yarns so you can get through the door. Bling-bling and bottle service are definitely the name of the game at this place. With gleaming red tiles, a bamboo wall, and attractive Asian-inspired crimson accents, this two-level venue is always on the lookout for its 20-30 year old crowd who regularly book tables and order bottles of champagne (ranging from $120 to $100). $1,000 a bottle). Tuesdays are DR-FREE nights (“Service Industry Night Done Right”) aimed at the elite of the fashion and service industry, with no extra charge and complimentary cocktails from 10-11 p.m. admission, simply send an RSVP email to [email protected] and you’re ready to go. The preserve is located at 858 W. Lake St. (at Peoria St.).
The Wild Hare (Wrigleyville) – Calling itself America’s reggae capital isn’t too much of a stretch for The Wild Hare – ya’ mon! Every night of the week, local, national and international bands come to stay at this club (which has doubled in size in the last ten years and has invested over $100,000 in its sound system). In any given month, you’ll find everyone from Shabba Ranks to other big name artists like Rita Marley and Tony Reble traveling from Jamaica to perform here. This place still draws a huge crowd that is always in the mood for some Red Stripe (Jamaican’s favorite beer), house rum, and great music. DJs spin between sets or when there isn’t a band booked and the cover charge can be as high as $20 for big name artists like Yellow Man. The Wild Hare is located at 3530 N Clark Street (Cross Street: Addison Street).