For those lucky enough not to be scrambling out of town for the holiday weekend, Ethyl’s Beer & Wine Dive was the perfect spot to spend a Friday evening—with a game of bags and some patio drinking. The latest venue from Scott Harris (Mia Francesca, Davanti Enoteca, etc.), this Near West Side bar opened late last month in the old Stanley’s on Racine space, featuring eclectic décor and serving inventive cocktails (Dirty Tito—vodka with pickle juice!) and comfort cuisine (chicken and waffles, beer-battered cheese curds). If you, too, are bummed to be back at work—and wishing it were Friday all over again—check out these photos of folks relishing summer on Ethyl’s patio. Vicarious living will help us get through the day.

Photography: Jeff Schear