You could be forgiven for thinking that every neighborhood this city was covered in chicly appointed restaurant/bar hybrids with expert craft cocktail lists. Based on the swarming crowds at the Promontory (5311 S. Lake Park Ave. W., Hyde Park, 312-801-2100) since it opened in August, though, clearly Hyde Park was in want of one—and luckily for them, they got one from the red-hot team behind Dusek's and Longman & Eagle.

The streamlined cocktail list focuses on doing a few things very well (we particularly liked the Roots & Malt with either bourbon or rye and house-made root beer), and the bar stays open plenty late to maximize opportunities to enjoy said cocktail list (until 2 a.m. on Fridays). You can also now check out the space at the brand-new Promontory Social Club, an early-evening dancing and drinking party on the spot's second floor from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Whenever you go though, expect a crowd. This place is hopping.

Here's what we saw when we stopped in on Sunday evening.