The warming housemade cinnamon whiskey at Frontier (West Town, 1072 N. Milwaukee Ave., thefrontierchicago.com) is best enjoyed beside the beer garden’s roaring fireplace: the ideal way to thaw frozen biker fingers. Farther along your commute north lies Revolution Brewing (Logan Square, 2323 N. Milwaukee Ave., revbrew.com), where the bar—and bike racks outside—is always nearly full. … Read more
The J. Parker The panorama of the park, lake, and skyline delivers the best bang for your buck in terms of city views year-round, thanks to the Hotel Lincoln’s brand-new retractable glass dome. For visitors trying to cram lots of Chicago into a single night, this rooftop spot is a no-brainer. What to order: Midwest … Read more
The owner of the Chipp Inn (Noble Square, 832 N. Greenview Ave.) can school you on the city’s beer history post–Great Chicago Fire. Hint: It involves “trainloads of Schlitz.” At Inner Town Pub (Ukrainian Village, 1935 W. Thomas St.), you’ll find patrons of all ages sipping PBR while glued to arthouse films and documentaries.
Midnight to 1 a.m. The Logan Theatre Because it screens cult classics at 11 p.m. on weekends. Grab a craft brew on your bathroom break. Logan Square, 2646 N. Milwaukee Ave., thelogantheatre.com 1 to 2 a.m. NEW Celeste Because you’re unlikely to encounter stumbling, party-hearty types. River North, 111 W. Hubbard St., celestechicago.com 2 to … Read more
Scofflaw This place delivers the perfect ambiance: It’s intimate (but not over the top), quiet (but not pin-drop silent), and equipped with the all-important fireplace. Arrive before 7 p.m. to nab a spot in the smaller, less bustling back room, where the clustered chairs and couches let you cozy up while you chat. The tunes … Read more
Waiting for your table at Girl & the Goat? Here are some good spots to spend some time.
NEW Lagunitas Chicago Taproom It can be more than a little challenging to find Lagunitas’s bar, located as it is in a labyrinthine structure in a residential hood. But consider the sprawling place the sweet reward at the end of a maze. The drinkery at the heart of the Wonka-like brewery, where laser lights in … Read more
Kentucky Corpse Reviver Twinkie at Longman & Eagle There’s something so gleefully transgressive about pairing a retro Twinkie with the accoutrements of a Corpse Reviver cocktail and a whole lot of bourbon. Logan Square, 2657 N. Kedzie Ave., longmanandeagle.com Tex’s Hot Cocoa at Homestead on the Roof The ultrarich hot chocolate hides any evidence … Read more
… your 30th NEW Tippling Hall You’re old enough to appreciate a good drink but young enough to stay out until the wee hours, and this expansive new spot fits both bills. Open till 5 a.m. on Saturdays, it has a 24-page drink menu with excellent options for all of your party people. River North, … Read more
