In a city awash in cocktail bars focusing on bitters, tinctures, rare spirits and low lighting, Billy Sunday stands out for its, well, Midwestern hospitality. Rarely have I sat at a bar and been made to feel so comfortable, no matter who was working. Named for the early 20th Century prohibitionist, this Logan Square bar … Continued
Chicago’s Begyle Brewing company has been doing things a little bit differently ever since they opened, and this week’s pick is certainly part of that approach. The company is a CSB – Community Supported Brewery – much like the CSAs you find from local farms during the summer. You get a new beer every month … Continued
Located just 10 minutes from the West End, in Clerkenwell, this is my go-to spot for a great cocktail before heading out for dinner. You feel as if you’ve stepped into a Victorian hunting lodge designed by someone with an off-beat sense of humor. There’s a hotel here as well; just a 5-min. walk from … Continued
Located in the Hotel Modern, about a 10 – 15 minute walk from the Quarter, this cozy speakeasy right next to the St. Charles streetcar line has one of the city’s more progressive cocktail programs. It’s owned by the same people as Cure, and it’s one of the only places in town specializing in sherry … Continued
You could easily spend time downtown, drinking French 75s and sazeracs, but jump in a cab, spend the $15 and go drink with locals at Cure. This creative, progressive cocktail bar also has a tiny kitchen, but I would suggest landing here for a few rounds first, then walk – or take a short cab … Continued
Owned by the same family behind Commander’s Palace, I love this location, just a few blocks from the Quarter, across from the casino and on the way to the more interesting neighborhoods, away from the tourist throngs. Lu Brow is a master behind the stick, so get whatever she’s whipping up at the bar; the … Continued
Though Chicago has no shortage of up-and-coming craft breweries, odds are you can’t hit all of them in the span of 10 days. But thanks to Chicago Craft Beer Week, now you can. The fifth annual beer week, presented by the Illinois Craft Brewers Guild, will take place from May 15th to May 25th throughout the … Continued
Kinmedai at Mizumi (at The Wynn Las Vegas) If you’ve followed any of my posts from Japan – or frankly, anything I’ve written about Japanese food over the past year – you’ll notice I have a few soft spots: perfect tamago, well-seasoned and properly cooked sushi rice and of course, kinmedai. If it’s in season, … Continued
Tavernita’s well-stocked bar is sure to be popular with fans Basketball lovers can get excited for a whole new reason thanks to the upcoming March Madness special at Tavernita. The River North tapas restaurant and bar (located at 151 W. Erie) is helping get fans in the spirit by offering an open bar package during all … Continued
To celebrate the close of patio season (geez, already?) Parson’s Chicken & Fish (2952 W. Armitage Ave) is having a party this Sunday (October 13th). Keeping things cheeky, the staff there is hosting the first annual Goat Beards & Oath Beers patio party. Chef Hunter Moore will be roasting goats on an outdoor spit, and beermakers Solemn Oath will be … Continued
Nothing says springtime (in the beer world) like a little bock. This seasonal brew from Anchor Brewing, one of the country’s best-known brewers out of San Francisco, is ready to drink this week, but it won’t be on store shelves forever. Sure, The Hopleaf carries it, but so do a lot of other fine purveyors … Continued