A sports bar is a sports bar is a sports bar ... not anymore. Welcome to Theory, the River North sports bar where the menu features items other than wings (gasp!) and the fine wood floors are not littered with peanut shells. This "upscale sports lounge" even has personal plasma TVs that you control from inside your own oversize leather booth.

Returning to the topic of wings, Theory has 'em, and they ain't of the standard, wimpy, picked-last-for-dodgeball variety. Made with homemade hot sauce, these meaty morsels come accompanied by a blue cheese dip that actually tastes like it was made from real blue cheese, rather than poured straight from a can. As promised, Theory also serves items other than wings. The self-described high end American/Mexican/Southern BBQ menu boasts such fare as "anti-establishment" chili ($5), 18-hour smoked ribs, a crab cake sandwich ($15), and six premium salads (around $10).

To drink, Theory offers a list of 10 wines by the glass or bottle; Delirium Tremens, Fat Tire, and Stella Artois on tap; bottles of everything from Budweiser to Goose Island to Hoegaarden; and nine specialty cocktails.

A home theater-style VIP room provides the perfect venue for birthday parties, fantasy drafts, and even lunch presentations. With so many modern luxuries, you definitely won't call it a sports bar, but you might call it home.

Average cost: $10-$20