Mar 31, 2017
March 31, 2017 | Chicago, Food and Drink, North America
When visiting a new city, you can tackle it in one of two ways: as tourist or traveler. As a tourist, you can hit all the popular attractions and stick to larger, well-known chain restaurants. But where’s the fun in that? If you want to dig deeper, approach the city as a traveler and discover where locals like to go for fun, dinner, and drinks. These spots are often found deep inside neighborhoods, away from the main tourist drags. Here, we present six options to drink like a local in Chicago, a city that always finds reason to celebrate.
The Gage
Steps off Millennium Park on Michigan Avenue, The Gage is a perfect respite from the throngs of people hitting Pritzker Pavilion, the Art Institute and other attractions along the Cultural Mile. This upscale pub, awash in moss green subway tile, a long wooden bar and plenty of locals packing in for lunch and after work, offers a refined menu including P.E.I. mussels vindaloo, fish and chips and a deliciously stacked venison burger. As for drinks? They have a wide selection of beer and cider, but the rare whiskey collection and “Somm Treasure Chest” featuring unique wines at accessible prices are can’t-miss.
Plymouth Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
Whether you’re ducking into the restaurant for lunch or hitting the lively rooftop at dusk, the Plymouth is one of the best haunts in the Loop. Frequented by workers escaping the office, the Plymouth is a laid-back place to grab pub grub with a shot and a beer. The ground-level bar is always welcoming, but it’s the year-round rooftop bar that’s the real draw. Overlooking Harold Washington Library, the rooftop is a special spot in the heart of the bustling Loop to gather with friends or coworkers. Inexpensive daily specials like $6 martinis or $4 Blue Moon pints will keep you coming back for more.
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Mar 24, 2017
By Ariel Cheung | March 22, 2017 11:59am | DNAinfo
AVONDALE — There’s no denying that Chief O’Neill’s is about as Irish as it gets.
From its namesake Chicago police superintendent to the menu stocked with Irish staples, the Avondale bar has been steeped in Irish tradition since it opened in 1999.
And as it turns out, it might just be the best Irish bar in Chicago.
The online “Travel + Leisure” guide has named Chief O’Neill’s among the top 50 Irish bars in the United States — the only Chicago spot to make the list.
The list pulled data from Yelp, ranking Irish establishments by ratings and the number of reviews.
Topping the list are The Celtic House Irish Pub just outside Washington, D.C., Florida’s Celtic Ray Irish Pub and Erin Rose in New Orleans.
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Mar 17, 2017
By Mina Bloom | March 15, 2017
LOGAN SQUARE — When the Whistler opened nearly nine years ago, specializing in cocktails, it was one of the only bars of its kind in the neighborhood.
Back then, it was fair to assume that most people traveling down the relatively quiet block in search of drinks on a Friday or Saturday night were headed either to the cozy cocktail bar at 2421 N. Milwaukee Ave. or the notorious dive bar Two Way Lounge across the street.
“There was a better than 50-50 chance they were coming to our place,” said Whistler co-owner Billy Helmkamp.
Today, there are a lot — a lot — more options.
Helmkamp, referring to Milwaukee Avenue pedestrians, said, “Now you see a group of eight, followed by a group of five, followed by another group of three, followed by another group of four, and it’s not uncommon that all 20 people walk right past us and go into another place.”
Over the last few years, Logan Square’s bar scene has exploded. Since 2010, at least 10 cocktail bars have joined the neighborhood.
Billy Sunday, 3143 W. Logan Blvd.; Heavy Feather, 2357 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Estereo, 2450 N. Milwaukee Ave.; Spilt Milk, 2758 W. Fullerton Ave.; Lost Lake, 3154 W. Diversey Ave.; Scofflaw, 3201 W. Armitage Ave.; Best Intentions, 3281 W. Armitage Ave.; Deadbolt, 2412 N. Milwaukee Ave.; and Branca Bar, 2367 N. Milwaukee Ave., have all opened in recent years…
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Mar 13, 2017
Mar 10, 2017
By: Ashok Selvam | Eater Chicago| Mar 9, 2017
“Almost two years after state lawmakers brought back happy hour, Illinois legislators are pondering tinkering with booze laws again. This time they’re considering a bill which would allow 18 year olds to legally drink beer or wine at a restaurant—albeit with parental consent. Lowering the age of consumption from 21 would match similar laws in 10 states, including Wisconsin, Ohio, and Kansas, WGN-TV reported.
Sorry, young Fireball lovers—the bill doesn’t apply to hard liquor or to drinking at bars. Approving parents must be supervising their children, too. The bill could affect family gatherings and perhaps school functions.
Rep. Barbara Wheeler, a Republican from Crystal Lake, and Rep. Kelly Burke, a Democrat from Evergreen Park, introduced the bill to the house earlier back in January. The bill is currently in committee.
To adopt this bill, lawmakers must amend the Liquor Control Act of 1934, which oversees much of state liquor law. They amended the law in 2015 by lifting the 26-year ban on happy hour specials. Looks like someone has persuaded Springfield to be more progressive when it comes to booze laws.
Other states where 18 year olds can drink with parental permission and supervision include Connecticut, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nevada, Texas, and Wyoming. Stay tuned for word on whether Illinois joins them.”
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