Need another reason to drink? How about a full roster of them? Just when you thought you had tabs on all the places to get a wet one, another Golden Tee machine is ordered, more Tanqueray is stocked and a new bar opens it doors. Here are some recent scene-joiners to add to your to-drink list, plus some that are on the way.
Bottoms Up!
Idle on the Isle at O'Shaughnessy's Public House
This family-friendly pub brings a little bit of Ireland to Chicago, from imported stained glass windows to an all-day Irish breakfast. Still, the flat-screen digital televisions (oddly out of place above a built-in dark wood fireplace) tuned to baseball remind you which side of the pond you're on.
Get in the game at Harry Caray's Tavern
You know how there are cigar bars that offer a little food and drink on the side? Well, this is a TV bar that does the same. There are possibly more TVs than people, even on game day when it's packed so full of coeds you'll have flashbacks to your college days. The food may not be steakhouse-caliber, but with 14 different burgers available, we think everyone will be mighty happy.
Live the plush life at Potter's
Located in the Loop's Palmer House Hilton, this bar is hard to find if you're not a guest at the hotel. Once you do find it, though, you'll want to keep it a secret. This lush spot feels like a 1950s Chicago cigar lounge, if you took away the smoke and added some glass-enclosed columns filled with white feathers. Sip on an expensive cocktail at the bar or dig into the upscale bar menu in the main room.
Do the wrong thing at Rebel Bar & Grill
The only things rebellious about this Wrigleyville bar are the black-and-white shots of revolutionary celebrities and the menu's half-pound burger. And even these feel like they belong somewhere else. Expect the attractively decorated place to be packed with Cubs fans young and old on game days, everyone eager for reasonably priced sandwiches and beers.
Bet with The Spread
Like the bar's name, everything here has a subtle sports theme, from the menu (salads are found under "On the Green" and desserts are called "Overtime") to the plasma screens and shuffleboard table. Even non-sports fans will find something to like, as the exposed brick walls, hardwood floors and huge fishtank create an ambiance not often found in the city's seemingly endless array of sports bars.
Boost your mood at In Fine Spirits Lounge
Andersonville residents can enjoy $7 to $12 classic cocktails spiced with exotic liqueurs, wine flights, handcrafted beers and more at this bar adjacent to the In Fine Spirits wine shop. A busy weekend can find patrons unwinding by the main bar, in the upstairs party room, or, during the summer, in the 50-seat beer garden out back.
Take a chance on Fifty/50
This sports bar/restaurant/lounge offers three floors with three different vibes. Want to guzzle a 40 while watching the game? You got it. Prefer to savor a lagerita (beer and tequila) with some sliders? Go ahead. Want bottle service in a booth? As you wish.
Walk the line between bar and lounge at Aberdeen
As Wicker Park and Bucktown have grown and developed (hello, Marc Jacobs, so long, Filter), the need for watering holes that play to a varied clientele are needed. Half sports bar (with sleek flat-screen TVs hung around the opened-up space) half lounge (with low, wide seats and DJs at night),Aberdeen offers something to please revelers of all types.
Apply yourself to the appetizer platter at Purple Otter
You won't find any otter on the menu at this oddly named bar and grill, but for $13.75 you can feast like one. The signature dish, an eclectic combination of appetizers, includes calamari, Philly drops (cheesesteak-filled wontons), egg rolls, wings and chicken sate served with a plate full of dipping sauces. If you want something smaller, go for the crab cakes, quesadillas or pot stickers—Purple Otter has an exhaustive list of starters, all under $9.
Barely Buzzed
Angels and Mariachis
Get a taste of the good life at this Wicker Park taco bar/rock cantina.
Rebar
This lounge in the Trump International Hotel & Tower offers breathtaking views and lavish drinks.
Uncle Fatty's Rum Resort
Take a liquor-filled vacation at this island-themed bar in Lakeview.
Still Sober The Pony
This two-story bar and grill from the owner of Lottie's opens soon in Lakeview.
C-View
The Affinia Chicago's rooftop lounge, an offshoot of the upscale C-House restaurant downstairs, opens in June.
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