“Party” listings
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The Bedford
If you’ve ever wanted to drink in a former vault, this new lounge and eatery housed in the basement of a landmark, 1930s-built bank is your money ticket. This gilded, dimly lit space provides a unique backdrop for sipping handcrafted cocktails like the Hendrick’s gin-infused Cucumber Cooler. (09/2011)
1612 W Division St
773-235-8800
bedfordchicago.com -
The Matchbox
Its tagline—Chicago’s most intimate bar—refers to its intimate size of only 460-square feet: good luck squeezing through the three-foot wide space to get to the bathrooms. But there’s no denying the charm of this dive-y River West institution, with its stellar whiskey list and crowd that’s equal parts blue and white collar. (09/2011)
770 N Milwaukee Ave
312-666-9292
thesilverpa...taurant.com -
Lux Bar
This elegant, multi-level bar is as close as it gets for Gold Coasters seeking a neighborhood saloon where everyone knows their name. The wellheeled crowd is equally comfortable watching the Cubs or Sox game on the 16 LED flat screens downstairs, or dancing to DJs spinning in the upstairs lounge. (07/2011)
18 E Bellevue Pl
312-642-3400
luxbar.com -
Blokes & Birds
A departure from the usual Wrigleyville frat bar shenanigans, this modern take on the traditional British pub offers more than 20 beers by the glass. Soccer fans can head here early mornings for live simulcasts of European soccer matches. (06/2011)
3343 N Clark St
773-472-5252
blokesandbirdschicago.com -
Big Star
Once the warm weather begins, the patio at this eternally cool Wicker Park taqueria is the place to soak up some rays and people-watch while downing cans of cheap Mexican beer alongside gourmet tacos. (05/2011)
1531 N Damen Ave
773-235-4039
bigstarchicago.com -
Lincoln Karaoke
Real-deal Korean karaoke parlors are hard to replicate, but this 14-room haven for attention-seekers delivers the goods with couch seating, seriously good sound, fluorescent lighting and a menu of Korean bar snacks when you need to refuel. Try the steamed dumplings and seafood pancakes; there are also pizza and burgers if you want to stick to the classics. (04/2011)
5526 N Lincoln Ave
773-895-2299
lincolnkaraoke.com -
Branch 27
This comfy neighborhood hangout, named for the building’s past life as a library branch, has garnered a fan base for its approachable bistro menu and ambitious cocktails. (02/2011)
1371 W Chicago Ave
312-850-2700
branch27.com -
D.S. TEQUILA COMPANY
Margaritas and micheladas are the poison of choice for the denizens of this new brick-andneon Boystown hangout. Head here early for a meal of Tex-Mex grub and feel free to stay late into the night for dancing atop the bar, Coyote Ugly-style. (01/2011)
3352 N Halsted St
773-697-9127
dstequila.com -
PHOENIX LOUNGE
Velvet seating and a floor-to-ceiling glass wall overlooking the iconic El lend a sense of drama to this lounge in theWIT hotel. Sip a Maker’s Mark Manhattan and take in the live acoustic acts that give the place a mellow vibe. (12/2010)
201 N State St
312-239-9500
thewithotel...oenixlounge -
CURIO
The secret is out about this basement speakeasy beneath the posh Gilt Bar. Head here before or after dinner for handcrafted cocktails like the Martinez (gin, vermouth and cherry liqueur) in a romantic, candlelit setting. (11/2010)
230 W Kinzie St
312-464-9544
giltbarchicago.com -
LINCOLN HALL
This live music venue is one of the city’s classiest. Enjoy a state-of-the-art sound system, three gorgeous bar areas, delicious food and an impeccably booked calendar of acts from the folk rock of Dawes (Nov. 10) to the Balearic beat of Delorean (Nov. 17). (11/2010)
2424 N Lincoln Ave
773-525-2501
lincolnhallchicago.com -
BAD DOG TAVERN
This rockin’ bar, with its great microbrews, delivers a welcome jolt to the nightlife scene in stroller-happy Lincoln Square. Tuesdays feature reliably funny open mic comedy. (09/2010)
4535 N Lincoln Ave
773-334-4040
baddogtavern.com
