Chicago suggestions

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/5/11 at 6:44pm

I'll be celebrating my birthday in Chicago this year, but I haven't been here for very long, so I'm trying to gather suggestions for bars/restaurants with bars to go to.

I'm not totally sure what kind of atmosphere I'm looking for or how many people I'll be having yet, so I'm open to all kinds of suggestions that people have. My friends are mostly students, so nothing too pricey. I'm not looking for something too fancy, though I would like to be able to wear a dress. But other than that, I'm open to a range of places.

Thanks!

Updated On: 4/5/11 at 06:44 PM

[Unknown User]

Posted: 4/6/11 at 12:57am

I am a big Sidetrack fan.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/6/11 at 1:34am

Hah, as am I!

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/6/11 at 11:49am

My personal favorite is RL, the Ralph Lauren restaurant at Chicago and Michigan. It may seem a little pricey, but it's actually quite reasonable for the quality of food and service. And the atmosphere is fantastic. Another great restaurant is Bandera on Michigan. Weekends, they often have jazz musicians. Texas de Brazil is a fun experience with a group. And Carnivale is a bit out of the way, but exceptional and best experienced with a group.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/6/11 at 11:51am

I will check those out. Thank you!

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 4/6/11 at 12:05pm

I once saw Jerry Springer dining alone and greeting fans at a Cheesecake Factory in Chicago. Can you really ask for anything more for your birthday?

[LilMiZBroADwaY23]

Posted: 4/6/11 at 12:06pm

Currently a student living in the Lincoln Park area, so many good bars around here! I've also had a blast at Wrigleyville, just because you can go from bar to bar. One of my friends had the best birthday party on a Trolley. It drove us all around downtown, on Lakeshore drive. It was around 20 per person, which included the keg and the big cooler of a mixed drink the birthday girl had made. It was also BYOB, so it was really up to you. It was a really memorable party experience!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/6/11 at 12:10pm

Ha, that's hilarious. And yeah, I know there are tons of bars up in both those neighborhoods, but have no idea where to begin. I'd rather not just blindly guess, so if you have any specific suggestions, that's be great.

I once saw Jerry Springer dining alone and greeting fans at a Cheesecake Factory in Chicago. Can you really ask for anything more for your birthday?

No better gift. None. Not even one of kyle4's ruminations on Esparza's belly flab.

Updated On: 4/6/11 at 12:10 PM

[SonofRobbieJ]

Posted: 4/6/11 at 12:32pm

I once buried my face in Raul Esparza's belly flab. Tasted of testosterone and pulled pork.

I kid. I kid. But there's a birthday visual for ya!

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/6/11 at 12:40pm

You are undoubtedly the bearer of the best gifts. Unmatched.

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/7/11 at 12:23pm

Anybody else?

[Stagedoor2]

Posted: 4/7/11 at 5:50pm

Not sure when you'll be here, but a friend of mine sings at the Drake Hotel on most Friday nights. His name is Sam Fazio and he has a website that would have the information on it as well as a sampling of his singing.


Sam Fazio

[luvtheEmcee]

Posted: 4/7/11 at 11:43pm

I'm here for a while. Thanks for the tip! That'd definitely be fun to check out. The venue looks beautiful.

Updated On: 4/7/11 at 11:43 PM

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 4/8/11 at 5:07pm

If you are a beer drinker, Revolution Breing is hip. The bacon popcorn is strangely fantastic! In which neighborhood are you living?

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 4/8/11 at 5:08pm

The Leader Bar on Irving Park is a nice mixed bar - DJ, but sports on TV also.

[jessica0414]

Posted: 4/8/11 at 6:02pm

I really like Quartino! Disclaimer: my uncle is the chef. But it really is fantastic and fun for a relaxed but upbeat lunch or dinner! They do Italian "tapas-style," where smaller plates are meant to be shared. It is downtown on the corner of State and Ontario, closest to the Grand Red Line stop. I also really like Sidetrack for Musical Mondays, and Molly's Cupcakes for a birthday treat! :)

Quartino

Updated On: 4/8/11 at 06:02 PM

[Over_the_Moon]

Posted: 4/9/11 at 5:05pm

Love Carnivale!

The Galway Arms is a nice Irish pub type place on Clark if that's what you're in the mood for.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 4/9/11 at 5:32pm

Quartino is fun, but it is usually very crowded and VERY LOUD. The concept is Italian "tapas". For real tapas, I recommend Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba or Emilio's. Oh, and for an Irish pub with great atmosphere, my favorite is Fado at Grand and Clark. The decor is wonderful.

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 4/10/11 at 12:22am

Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba - have not been there in years!

What about the South Loop Club? Classic old school place and if any of your friends are in the Columbia College area?