Edition: Kidding Around Chicago

Nightlife: Mix it Up

Author: Audarshia Townsend

 No one knows the city better than Chicago's concierges, so we went straight to the sources to find out their favorites when it comes to nightlife. With so many choices from cozy piano bars and luxurious cocktail lounges to casual pubs and wine bars, their pics will keep you in the mix.

WINE BARS

Bin 36.The tri-concept treat (wine lounge/retail store/restaurant) is more than your average wine bar with award-winning wine director Brian Duncan at the helm. He and executive chef John Caputo aptly pair every bite from the contemporary American menu with each vino.

Eno. Wine and chocolate are paired with care at this lounge tucked inside the Hotel InterContinental. National and local chocolatiers have teamed up with sommeliers to offer tastes never imagined with exotic truffles and rare cheeses. 

Quartino. This wine bar - from the team behind Hugo's Frog Bar, Gibson's and RL - was a hit on the day it opened. And why not? In addition to flatbread pizzas and charcuterie, their affordable wines by the glass or quartino never fail to impress.

NEW HOT SPOTS

Potter's. A bar this fabulous should never be tucked away. Brandishing encased feather boas in a room that's truly hyper-masculine, Potter's brings new life to the Palmer House Hilton. 

Rebar. Who would've thought that Donald Trump's lounge - inside the Trump International Hotel & Towers - would hit a high note with local hip-sters? With spectacular views of the Chicago River and a glossy drink menu (bring friends for the $225 Dream Punch Bowl), you'll feel as privileged as The Donald himself.

Perez Hilton has come to town along with a slew of industry partners with the opening of Angels & Kings, a club mixing smooth design touches with a rough edge (think Ozzy more than Timbaland).

PIANO BARS

Howl at the Moon. Guests get in on the action at this dual piano bar that doesn't take itself too seriously. From convention groups to bachelorette bashes, Howl always manages to win the crowds over.

Redhead Piano Bar. Couples come for the cozy, intimate seating, stiff cocktails and the chance to hear their favorite romantic tunes. Singles come to mingle, especially on weekends when the line goes down the street.

Zebra Lounge. One of the city's most underrated piano bars is hidden away in the most exclusive part of the Gold Coast.

JAZZ CLUBS

Andy's Jazz Club. Those looking for the alternative power lunch head to this venerable River North club for soothing beats with their eats.

Enjoy nightlife in a mature environment while enjoying top-level jazz bands at the Back Room. Set in the heart of the upscale Rush Street party district, stop across the steet at Gibson's Bar & Steakhouse beforehand for a steak or lobster claw.  

Underground Wonder Bar. The only centrally located jazz bar is in the heart of the Gold Coast. But it's not such a secret anymore as many famous singers have been known to hit the stage for a tune or two.

DANCE CLUBS

Club 720. The multi-level Latin club resurfaced last year for a salsa-loving crowd. And now with the penthouse VIP lounge - Religion - there's even more reason to have faith in late-night nighlife. 

Sound-Bar. The sensational River North spot is a favorite for national and international spin stars, who come to play for sold-out crowds.

Crobar. The celebrity magnet has attracted the likes of Lauren Conrad ("The Hills"), former porn princess Jenna Jameson and Daniel Sunjata ("Rescue Me"). The weekend parties are still legendary - long after former Bulls player Dennis Rodman put the bar on the map.

BLUES CLUBS

BLUES Chicago. Local and national female blues artists are known to dominate the stage at this long-time favorite that also offers family-oriented shows.

Buddy Guy's Legends. The multi-winning Grammy artist's eponymous bar is a hit with tourists, the locals and just about anyone who loves the blues.

Kingston Mines. Where do blues artists go when their night is over? They're likely to wind up at this after-hours blues bar that gets rowdier by the hour.

SPORTS BARS

Joe's. Sports fans flock to this sprawling spot for the flatscreens that are situated at most booths in the front bar. And with an excellent mix of daily drink and food specials, it stays crowded whether it's the Final Four or the Masters. 

ESPN Zone. You can sit around and watch sports on TV if you want to, but most customers come for the interactive games on the second level. Put yourself in the driver's seat for NASCAR, challenge your best friend with hoops or take on computer generated skiing champions in a number of activities.

Timothy O'Toole's. At first glance, this subterranean spot may seem like all the other Irish taverns in town, but it's a big favorite for a mostly neighborhood crowd. Nighly drink specials, unpretentious people and its proximity to the lake keep it crowded during all the major sporting events.

LOUNGES

The Joynt. It's a mostly sophisticated crowd of suit-wearing guys and girls in dresses at this cocktail lounge offering live jazz and deejays spinning classic hits. 

Martini Park. Karaoke bands, an extensive menu and a mature crowd of after-work party people keep this club jumpin' during the week as well as on the weekends.

Underground. The celebrity-saturated spot has managed to host most stars traveling through Chicago, from Kayne West and John Legend to Duran Duran and Tommy Lee.

PUBS

Emerald Loop. A notable hangout for downtown workers and residents, this authentic Irish bar offers outdoor seating and daily specials. It's also a popular place for the "liquid lunch." 

Fado Irish Pub. Native Irish really love this multiple-level tavern that's an ode to the Isle. Also, soccer fans can catch all the big games here; they take the game seriously at Fado. There are three locations of the distinctly English Elephant & Castle pub and fresh draught beers; all are bedecked with mahogany, brass and a slew of across-the-Atlantic paraphernalia.

COMEDY CLUBS

Comedy Sportz. Comedy with an interactive edge is the angle at this theater in the heart of Wrigleyville.

Second City. Catch a rising star in the venue that helped launch the careers of the likes of John Belushi, Mike Meyers, Bill Murray and Gilda Radner. 

Zanies. Set up like a traditional stand-up comedy club, the club hosts local, up-and-coming comics as well as established stars.

SUBURBAN

Heat Nightclub. One of the suburbs hottest night clubs manages to keep its concept fresh and cutting edge, bringing in well-known deejays and a well-honed staff. 

Shoeless Joe's. Connected to the Best Western O'Hare, this massive sports bar and dance club spans 25,000 square feet.

The Redhead Piano Bar
16 W. Ontario St., Chicago, IL 60610

The Underground
54 W. Illinois St., Chicago, IL 60610