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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Bottoms Up!
Get lucky at The Lucky Lady
Fans of Rockit and Elm Street Liquors will feel right at home at this laid-back, but upscale River North bar from the team behind posh nightclubs RiNo and Manor.
The Shire is more than a one-trick pony
Once called Tavern 33, the Shire is just your good old neighborhood hang-out where one can enjoy a night with friends or a one-man drink fest while watching college football.
Our Theory: check out this River North bar
River North's latest addition is an upscale sports lounge and restaurant. With TVs all over and personal plasmas that you control in your own comfortable oversized booth, Theory is a great place to catch your favorite team or relax with friends.
Rock out at the Amp Rock Lounge
This Lincoln Park 5 a.m. is the Rolling Stone magazine of the club circuit, where Billy Idol, Aerosmith and the Sex Pistols live forever as the three pillars of what it means to be a rock star.
Wild Pug a toast to Oscar Wilde
What's wilier than a pug wearing a spiky leatherman collar? Knowing that same pug, the quintessential gay yuppie dog, is owned by the great Oscar Wilde. That's the concept behind this new Uptown bar and dance spot opened by Steve Milford and Brian Wells, the owners of Crew Bar + Grill (it's two doors down).
Live on the Edge in Wicker Park
The crowd here is more likely to be wearing a cardigan and cap than a popped collar and gel in their hair. And there's more light coming from the streetlights outside than anything else – the small candles at the tables provide most of the lighting, and even these are diffused.
Get wild and crazy at The Zoo
The latest incarnation of what were once Twisted Spoke and Brody's on Clark is an animal house of red neon lights, booze and beats - a happy medium between the countless sports bars and the trendy dance clubs that dominate Wrigleyville.
The music's the thing at The Whistler
It's a bar! It's a music venue! It's an art gallery! It's a record label! It's Logan Square’s latest addition to the local music and art scene, courtesy of Whistler Records founders Rob Brenner and Billy Hellenkamp. Kind of like an arty neighborhood bar, the Whistler's atmosphere is hip but not quite hipster.
Grab a cocktail and Stay for a while
Chicago A-listers flock to the new late-night hang atop Manor, partly for the chic look and see-and-be-seen vibe and partly because of the strict no-pictures policy.
Hi-Tops finds a new home
You may remember Hi-Tops as a sports bar/nightclub that brought Division and Rush Streets to Wrigleyville. Well, just like the girls you may have witnessed celebrating birthdays by grinding one another on elevated platforms, the bar grew up, relocating near DePaul in a much smaller site; the old space since became Harry Caray's Tavern.
It's good to be king at Club Royale
If the VIP-only entrance doesn't make you feel downright regal, the drink menu will. Specialty cocktails like the Crimson Pear (Absolut Pears, Pama pomegranate liqueur and simple syrup garnished with a lemon twist) appeal to your sweet tooth, while a strong glass of Energy (Corzo Silver tequila, Midori, pineapple juice served with a generous dose of "G" Energy) keeps you going whether you're dancing or issuing decrees.
Keep it simple at The Publican
The chic and spacious design that is a staple of this group's other ventures (Blackbird, Avec) left the New York lights behind for a metropolitan tavern with a European feel. Wide windows, high loft ceilings and large open space balance with heavy tavern benches and standing room beer tables. There is something to crowd around, as the Publican bar serves more than a dozen beers on tap with a hundred more on the menu.
Take it to the top at Vertigo
Afraid of heights? Then you may want to avoid Vertigo, the sexy lounge perched atop the Dana Hotel and Spa. But you'd be missing out: this sky-high watering hole offers strong cocktails, breathtaking views of the city, and waitresses in skintight catsuits.
Beer up at Old Oak Tap
West Town residents and bar mavens, partners Chris and Susan Ongkiko and Amy Teri, have unveiled their latest development, and it's filled with craft brews and ski-lodge-meets-castle decor.
Bar DeVille
Those searching for the perfect after-work dive bar may finally have one, courtesy of the same owners of Empire Liquors and Angels & Kings. Just find a seat on one of DeVille's dark olive-green leather booths and relax.
Go back to the future at Redline Cafe
Iggys3 is officially no more, although it really hasn't changed too much, despite the new name. Expect casual decor (no monkeys), a soundtrack full of rock and dance, plus tasty burgers, sandwiches, pasta dishes and salads.
Dive meets class in perfect harmony at Cat's Meow
A neighborhood hang plops down on Chicago Avenue; whether you're seeking food or booze, DJs or a jukebox, conversation or dancing, you can probably find it here.
Get your sport on at Logan Bar & Grill
Planned in the mold of the popular Northside Bar and Grill (which is owned by the same group), Logan brings an air of sportiness rarely seen in the Logan Square 'hood. Debate the merits of the Square's need for a sports bar, but you can't argue against solid burgers and sandwiches and specials like New York Strip steak and asiago cheese-tossed linguini.
Get your fix at Addiction Sports Bar & Grill
In the space of the former Rushmore comes a brand new sports bar, one of only a few in West Town.
Barely Buzzed
Trader Vic's
The tiki-bar favorite is back in the Gold Coast.
Crocodile
Faux-croc skin booths highlight this Wicker park hangout.
Alexandria Lounge & Grill
Taking over the former Starfish spot is this Middle Eastern-themed bar with DJs on weekends, a bumping dance floor all of the time and the potential for belly dancers. Consider us sold.
Go high tech at Madpoison Ultra Lounge
This West Loop spot takes the "iBar" concept to the extreme.
Still Sober
Dirty
Ukranian Village's newest bar looks to clean up starting later this winter.
Tiny Lounge
The North Center fave, which closed its doors when the CTA started its Addison Brown Line renovations, will re-open sometime this winter.
Loft Six Ten
Open late and with lounge-style seating, this Wicker Park spot will cater to everyone from decked-out nightcrawlers to local regulars when it opens this winter.
Bull & Bear
The owners of Stone Lotus bring an upscale sports bar to the River North neighborhood. Watch the game inside, or watch the people walking by on the spacious sidewalk cafe. Set to open this winter.
110 West
The beer's the thing here, with more than 100 of 'em on tap at this bar-lounge, set to open in January.
The Firkin & Pheasant
Enjoy traditional English dishes served with your favorite pint of ale at this Lincoln Park sports bar, which will open sometime this spring.
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