Lockdown Bar & Grill
Need another reason to drink? How about a full roster of them? Just when you thought you had tabs on all the places to get a wet one, another Golden Tee machine is ordered, more Tanqueray is stocked and a new bar opens it doors. Here are some recent scene-joiners to add to your to-drink list, plus some that are on the way.
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Get some down-home hospitality at The Southern
The Southern has replaced Wicker Park's Chaise Lounge with a more laid-back atmosphere, albeit with the same management and chef. Georgia native Cary Taylor keeps the see-and-be-scene vibe, but with a touch of southern charm.
Join in the cause at Revolution Brewing
Revolution Brewing may not be summoning the most productive members to its cause - outside of the logo, the only raised fists here are of folks trying to get the bartender's attention - but with beer made on site accompanied by good, uncomplicated food, it's hard to see the Logan Square brewery not effecting positive change.
The Exchange trades up from the old Lava Lounge
The old Lava Lounge has continued its metamorphosis to become the Exchange. Longtime Wicker Parkers may be disappointed, but fans of intricate cocktails rejoice.
Do time at Lockdown Bar & Grill
This heavy-metal burger bar in Ukrainian Village also has a prison theme. "Live" concerts are shown nightly on the big screen, highlighting an "earth-trembling" sound system.
Stay a while at Longman & Eagle
The folks behind Empty Bottle have opened a new "Chicago inn" type of place in Logan Square that is a bar, but also has sleeping accommodations in the tradition of old-time Chicago inns.
Late Bar goes all night long
The Planet Earth people bring eclectic music, themed music nights and specialty cocktails to the Avondale party crowd.
Lobby Lounge takes date night to another level
The new Kerasotes movie theater in the South Loop adds a little something extra with this Jerry Kleiner-designed lounge. Grab a drink before or after the show in this upscale 150-seat lounge that is attached to the theater. There is also a menu made up mostly of pizza and sandwiches.
Touch gets interactive
If the last decade taught us anything, it's that when it comes to electronics, companies best make it touchable. That is the crux of this new Lakeview lounge's "mixology meets technology" philosophy; it offers 100,000-and-counting ways to get a drink without the need for a server.
Stay fabulous at Scarlet
Closed in February after a fire, this Boystown bar opens its doors again and is ready to please. Themed nights keep the party lively, although with an air of sophistication missing from the previous incarnate.
Country and tacos rule Big Star
Grab some tacos and beer (or whiskey) while you listen to country music in the old Pontiac Cafe spot in Wicker Park. The place gets packed, so try to get there early. But the wait for a table is pleasant, as the drinks and honky tonk flow like water.
Learn a little at Beckett's Public House
Ever wonder what a library stocked with specialty beers would be like? Owner Martin Cournane certainly did, and the result is this friendly Lakeview spot. While the opening of yet another Irish-style pub in Chicago might not make headlines, the decent prices and restaurant-cum-study atmosphere at Beckett's is certainly worthy of attention.
Keep it friendly at Queens Tavern & Bistro
The former Cornelia's in Lakeview gets a quick makeover and opens a more casual back bar with a less expensive menu.
Primebar classes up the Loop happy hour scene
Grab a quick lunch or after-work drinks at this Loop bar/restaurant on the Chicago River. The food is bar fare with a touch of class, and the place comes from the owners of Bar Louie.
Lively up yourself at Mr. Brown's Lounge
Named after a Bob Marley song, this raggae lounge serves authentic Jamaican food with a laid-back, island vibe.
Cheer on the Wildcats at Purple Haze
The former Purgatory Pizza has morphed into Purple Haze, a Wrigleyville burger-and-beer joint with a Northwestern theme.
Dine, drink and dance at Cabalo
This modern-looking club and restaurant takes over the former Cat's Meow space in Humboldt Park, with quality German food, an extensive drink list and even a dance club in the basement.
Barely Buzzed
Club Blujazz
Nightly performances highlight this Wicker Park music lounge, run by the same people behind the Blujazz record label.
Harry Caray's Tavern (Navy Pier)
It's a meeting of the minds for two of the biggest tourist attractions in the city, as the venerable bar opens up shop along the boardwalk at Navy Pier.
Gilt Bar
Brendan Sodikoff's simple, fun restaurant in the old Aigre Doux space opens in River North. Chandelier lighting gives the place an old-timey feel, and compliments the cocktail and martini list.
Small Bar (Lincoln Park)
The third outpost of popular bar hits Lincoln Park.
Rehab
The old martini lounge connected to Circuit in Boystown re-opens with a fresh new look and cocktail-heavy menu.
The Money Shot
Try to overlook the, um, descriptive name of the place and focus on the sleek look of this Rogers Park restaurant/lounge. A homey menu during the day (spaghetti and meatballs, steak and potatoes, various sandwiches) gives way to DJs and a lounge atmosphere at night.
The Cellar
Small plates and fine wine in Evanston.
Sweetwater
This Loop bar and grill in former Bennigan's spot comes from the folks at Boundary.
Cuna
This contemporary restaurant/bar opens in Lakeview with a casual, Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Cuvee
This swank River North party spot comes from the owners of Enclave.
Still Sober
Dos Gringos Trailer Park
The party scene in Wrigleyville gets a Mexican flavor at this new bar in the old Houndstooth Saloon spot, opening mid-March. Expect the shots of tequila to flow before and after the Cubs game, as this bar's motto is "Where Wrigleyville meets Cancun."
Wolcott's
Grab a local beer or martini and order up from the menu full of comfort food favorites at this quaint Lincoln Square bar, opening in mid-March. There will be TVs to watch the game and a patio coming in the summer.
Fountainhead
This gastropub on the border of Lincoln Square and North Center is set to open sometime this spring. Expect better-than-bar food options from the menu, and a quality beer list headed by Phil Kuhl, of Sheffield's "Beer School" fame.
Sports Corner
The previously torn down Sports Corner gets new life on Addison and Sheffield, just steps from Wrigley Field. Expect it up and running by Opening Day (April).
Nice Slice Pizza Bar
It's all about beer and pizza at this spot from the folks behind Simone's Bar, opening in Logan Square in May.
Moe's Cantina (River North)
The popular Wrigleyville bar plans to open a River North outpost this spring.
Haymarket Pub & Brewery
Rock Bottom brewmaster Pete Crowley is leaving his post to open this West Loop brewpub sometime this summer.
Tantrik
Get sensual at this new River West club, opening later this year.
The folks behind Bull & Bear and Stone Lotus will be opening a similar spot in the former Redfish space at 400 N. State St., sometime in the summer.
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