Openings

Open now: The bar itself has been around forever, but Brendan Sodikoff’s reimagining of the California Clipper (1002 N. California Ave., Humboldt Park, 773-384-2547) with a new cocktail menu and sexed-up vibe, just officially reopened yesterday.

Open now: For all the times you want to throw a dinner party but don’t want to do it in your house, there is now the Social Table (819 W. Armitage Ave., Lincoln Park, 773-697-4109). Proprietor Rebecca Goldfarb hosted interactive cooking classes/dinners in New York for years before moving to Chicago and bringing the concept here—you sign up, pay $75, and they’ll teach you to make a themed meal to share with other attendees.

Open now: You’ll find Prohibition-era cocktails and punches and two stages for music and burlesque at the brand-new Bordel (1721 W. Division St., Wicker Park, 773-227-8600), a speakeasy-style spot tucked away on top of Black Bull.

Morsels

A sign of summer’s demise: North Pond (2610 N. Cannon Dr., Lincoln Park, 773-477-5845) is officially done with Tuesday night dinner until next year. You’ll have to get your fill of Bruce Sherman’s seasonal cuisine Wednesday through Sunday nights instead.

Pizza and beer are a natural pairing. Gino’s East is hoping a pizzeria and brewery go together just as well—their River North location (500 N. LaSalle St., 312-988-4200) is adding a beermaking operationg later this fall with in-house pours and growlers to go.

Free coffee alert! Starting on Friday, the Cuban-style coffee makers at Café Bustelo will take over Filter (1373 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park) for a ten-day pop-up. In addition to live music and free Wi-Fi, you’ll be able to get complimentary java from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. every day through September 14.