Edition: Dining in Chicago
Nightlife: Dishy Drinks
Author: Audarshia Townsend
Chicago gastropubs are popping up all over the Windy City and Chicago nightlife has never been hotter.
Chicago's massive nightclubs are being whittled down to cozy, velvety lounges. The once-grungy sports bar scene is transforming into more upscale offerings. Right now it's all about taking "pub grub" to the next level. They're partnering with award-winning, high-profile chefs for some fun fine-dining options that are not only affordable, but cool. A "Top Chef" finalist, a James Beard winner and others jump right in the mix at hot spots all around town.
BB'S
The team behind comfort-food fave Stanley's Kitchen & Tap had their long-time chef, Jerry Pelican, design a more global menu to go along with BB's extensive beer list that especially favors Belgian ales. Here you'll find pub favorites like fish and chip alongside a skirt steak chimichurri, risotto balls and steak frites.
BLUEBIRD
A former sous chef at Blackbird and beverage director at Hot Chocolate, Bluebird's partner Paul Johnston consults on the menu of shareable plates like the signature fiery chicken wings with grilled citrus fruit and a brined and smoked pork chop with pear chutney. Beverages feature Belgian beers and rare American craft brews as well as a small selection of biodynamic wines.
THE DRAWING ROOM
Under new ownership, Le Passage is aiming to become more than just the Gold Coast's go-to club for after hours. With the Drawing Room's "culinary cocktail lounge" vibe, they're up to the task with executive chef Nick Lacasse at the helm. He's cranking out his version of classic dishes like "crab cakes" (herb-lumped crab pancakes with curried cauliflower and Vermont maple ginger sauce) and a "burger" (braised beef short ribs, roasted shallots, spicy house pickles and mustard seed-tomato preserve) to go along with the potent, meticulously made martinis like the Rose Champagne Cocktail and A Perfect Poire (made from fresh pear puree).
POPS FOR CHAMPAGNE
Former Alinea chef Andrew Brochu is fine tuning the food at the venerable River North jazz lounge and Champagne bar, Pops for Champagne. He's created a small menu of hot and cold plates to pair with sparkling wines. Savory offerings include a lobster risotto, pork tenderloin with fingerling potatoes, and Dungeness crab with snow peas.
THE LIBERTINE GASTROPUB & LOUNGE
Chicago's culinary community is hitting The Libertine Gastropub & Lounge, a Lincoln Park newcomer for the weekly "Shift Drink Mondays," an industry night for restaurant workers. The original concept has already seen the likes of "Top Chef" finalist Dale Levitski, NAHA chef/owner Carrie Nahabedian and Jean Banchet Award winner Mary McMahon serving cocktails to their colleagues. Customers are also coming for the house-made gnocchi with slow-roasted pork belly and Crabpuppies appetizers, which are paired with specialty craft beers.
THE VIOLET HOUR
The Violet Hour is owned by successful restaurateurs Donnie Madia and Terry Alexander, who have always specialized in "cool" cuisine with their trendsetting spots avec, Blackbird, Mia Francesca and others. Justin Large, who is the sous chef at avec, is the consulting chef for the seasonal bites like the Violet Hour prawn cocktail and broiled duck meatballs with green apple mostarda.
BB's
22 W Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60611
Gastropub in River North.
The Bluebird Bistro and Wine Bar
1749 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647
With about 50 different global beers and an array of wines, this American gastropub is a casual place to hang.
Le Passage & The Drawing Room
937 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60610
A top Chicago nightclub for going on a decade, this Gold Coast neighborhood nightlife haven has emerged as a bi-headed beast: a discotheque and a culinary cocktail lounge. It seems likely that this will be a club destination in Chicago for years to come.
Pops for Champagne
601 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60611
Live jazz, huge champagne list, and a fireplace create a memorable atmosphere.>
Violet Hour
1520 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
Excellent cocktails and a manageable noise level make this not-cheap lounge a viable alternative to more high voltage entertainment.
Cityscape Bar
350 W Mart Plaza, Chicago, IL 60654
Gorgeous panoramic views, organic wines, craft beers, and signature conckatils make the Cityscape Bar the ideal hotel bar.
Mannequin
306 N. Halsted St., Chicago, Illinois 60661
The former location of legendary Rive Gauche nightclub.
