Danny's
For nighttime eyes, it's hard to spot the paint-chipped "Danny's" in the dimly lit front window. Instead, you need to keep your eyes peeled for the Schlitz sign that hangs overhead at this beloved Bucktown bar. Ma... centerstagechicago.com
Elephant & Castle (E. Huron)
Despite what its name may suggest, Elephant & Castle isn't a fantastical place with roaming elephants and stoic castles. Instead, this British pub, which is named after a 14th century legend, is responsible for br... centerstagechicago.com
Four Farthings Tavern & Grill
It takes a brave palate to order wine from the corner bar. At best, the barkeep might awkwardly stammer, "Red or White?" before pouring a low-rate merlot into a rocks glass ("Sorry, no stemware."). At worst, you'l... centerstagechicago.com
Stone Lotus
Chicago's first liquor spa replaces manis and pedis with sweeter-tasting "treatments." At Stone Lotus Lounge (introduced by Chicago's nightlife impresarios Chris Dexter, Luke Stoioff, Brandon Zisman and David Rekh... centerstagechicago.com
Andy's
Don't be fooled by its downtown location, Andy's Jazz Club is a swingin' affordable spot that everyone can enjoy. And everyone certainly doesfrom tourists and locals to trendy twentysomethings and distinguished pr... centerstagechicago.com
Citizen Bar
Don't bother bringing your passport; everyone can claim citizenship at this River North bar. While its atmosphere isn't necessarily warm (think modern, loft-style with exposed brick, mirrors, dark wood and a red a... centerstagechicago.com
Pops For Champagne
Less than a year after putting a cork in its Lakeview location, Pops for Champagne relocated to River North and doused the neighborhood in over 120 kinds of bubbly. As always, the effervescent venue serves up a st... centerstagechicago.com
Manhattan's
So, you're a real game player. You have a Nintendo Wii, a Sony PlayStation and spend at least $25 a month downloading new games to your phone. Well, take your habit to Manhattan's, the bar where games rule. The up... centerstagechicago.com
Bar Louie Tavern & Grill (Wrigleyville)
This Wrigleyville edition of the chain is the ideal post-game destination for those fans who have a yen for libations with fancy-pants names. Examples of these drinks include the Pineappletini, a combination of De... centerstagechicago.com
Avenue Tavern
From the '50s-inspired argyle logo to the clean and crisp interior, this popular Lakeview spot manages to accomplish three goals in one no-nonsense package: It's at once a large sports bar, martini lounge and neig... centerstagechicago.com
Bull & Bear
After many an opening delay in the last quarter recession of '08, this market-themed gastropub opened two days after our man Obamas swearing in. The real reason for the hold is because of a labor dispute with the ... centerstagechicago.com
Sidebar Grille
When the team behind Schoolyard, Gaslight and Brownstone opened their fourth restaurant, they dubbed it Sidebar after a legal term. Located in the heart of Chicago's law office district, the restaurant's name is m... centerstagechicago.com
Map Room
Julia Steinberger A rare find that's as good for starting your day as for ending it, Map Room is an early-hours coffee shop that morphs into a tavern as the hour grows later. The neighborhood-sophisticate vibe rem... centerstagechicago.com
South Loop Club
Stacy Warden This "club" screams boys-only with its sports-bar atmosphere and burger-slinging kitchen. And if the male-dominated crowd isn't enough indication of what you're in for, check out the TVs. They're all ... centerstagechicago.com
Bottom Lounge
Tucked away on a quiet block in Chicago's meat-packing district, this rock bar is a far cry from its subtle surroundings. The music room, for one, brings in some serious noise with its full (and constant) line-up ... centerstagechicago.com
Bucktown Pub
This creatively named watering hole isn't really a pub in the "jolly ol' England" sense, but more accurately, is a chill and decently crowded place to hang. Though you'll find sports on the telly, don't expect a s... centerstagechicago.com
Phyllis' Musical Inn
Unpredictable sounds come throbbing out of this establishment, Wicker Park's first for live music, every night of the week. You're just as likely to hear savvy jazz as you are amateur nu metal, and frowned-upon co... centerstagechicago.com
High Dive
Julia Steinberger Hipster types favoring a grown-up atmosphere will love this classed-up neighborhood lounge. An antique scalloped wooden fixture salvaged from a 19th-century church is dressed up with a vintage co... centerstagechicago.com