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Nightlife Alfresco

Author: Audarshia Townsend

CAFE CITY

Take your turn at some of Chicago's best alfresco lounging spots; dine outdoors or have drinks looking over the Chicago river.

Chicagoans work hard—very hard—so that they can enjoy the limited days when they can play outside. That play, of course, includes the glorious nightlife when they can lean over the rails of Wrigleyville rooftops to watch Cubs games, chill out in casual beer gardens with cold, frothy longnecks, or nab those coveted lakefront or riverside seats with a view to thrill.

In fact, it really doesn’t matter sometimes where you are, just as long as you’re out in the night air. Some places, of course, go all out with alfresco, offering guests the optimum outdoor dining experience.

You’ll certainly pay to play at places like the Conrad Chicago (521 N. Rush St., 312-645-1500), Peninsula (108 E. Superior St., 312-337-2888) and the Park Hyatt’s NoMI (800 N. Michigan Ave., 312-239-4030), whose outdoor lounges attract those who don’t mind spending $14-$25 for a specialty cocktail or premium glass of wine. And you’ll find more than just the hotel’s guests frequenting these bars as some of the well-heeled locals can be found among them swilling glasses of bubbly as well.

Most sports bars have some type of outdoor component, at spots like Murphy’s Bleachers (3653 N. Sheffield Ave., 773-929-7061)—which is directly across the street from Wrigley Field—summertime is their primetime. The same goes for Castaways (1603 N. Lake Shore Dr., 773-281-1200), a haven for active types who usually relax on the bar located on the upper deck of a “shipwrecked” boat right off the shores of Lake Michigan. It’s right next to the volleyball courts and bike path, so customers usually come up after sweating it out all day.

Lincoln Park, a neighborhood known for its large concentration of young, moneyed professionals, appears to have outdoor bars on every block. On warm nights, you’re bound to see restless twentysomethings watching the games as they guzzle budget booze outside of McGee’s Tavern (950 W. Webster Ave., 773-549-8200), Mickey’s (2450 N. Clark St., 773-435-0007) and Zella (1983 N. Clybourn Ave., 773-549-2910).

Older, more sophisticated crowds are drawn to the alfresco scene in the Gold Coast, particularly on Rush Street. Some people will settle in for hours with dinner and cocktails at the sidewalk cafes to watch colorful characters stroll by. The most popular hangouts include Luxbar (18 E. Bellevue Pl., 312-642-3400), Tavern on Rush (1031 N. Rush St., 312-664-9600) and Whiskey Bar (1015 N. Rush St., 312-475-0300), which are all in a section fondly called “The Viagra Triangle” and are largely frequented by business travelers.

Those looking for clubbier settings head west for neighborhoods like River North, West Loop and the Bucktown/Wicker Park area. Japonais (600 W. Chicago Ave., 312-822-9600) is a celebrity magnet, attracting the likes of bold-name superstars like Brangelina, Lenny Kravitz and Kayne West. And even though there’s no deejay, stylish patrons head for the lower-level lounge and its sweet riverside location with a tropical setting filled with cabanas.

The West Loop’s Warehouse District is also a standout for the upscale, yet chilled-out neighborhood appeal of Fulton Lounge (955 W. Fulton Market, 312- 942-9500). When it gets really crowded inside, folks filter onto the sidewalk seating area for fresh air. Pontiac (1531 N. Damen Ave., 773-252-7767) gets a hipster following for its massive outdoor section right off the busy Damen/Milwaukee/North Avenue intersection. And a block away is another neighborhood favorite, The Northside (1635 N. Damen Ave., 773-384-3555), for its yearround outdoor beer garden that’s big for its daily drink specials and prime people-watching opportunities.

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Check out places of interest near Nightlife Alfresco:

17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602

This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.
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Ai
358 W. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60610

This River North Japanese Sushi Restaurant & Lounge opened it's doors in late-September 2007. From the siblings who brought Ringo Japanese Restaurant and Tsuki to Lincoln Park, comes this lounge/restaurant with authentic Japanese cuisine.

Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Cans Bar and Canteen
1640 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Bucktown favorite Cans Bar and Canteen serves 34 different canned beers as well as premium liquor, wine, and various bottled beer. The locals crowd mixes with high-end tourists looking to get a taste of one of Chicago's coolest neighborhoods.

Murphy's Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

Murphy's Bleachers has been a part of Cubs and Wrigleyville tradition since the 1930s, when it was known as Ernie's Bleachers (a drive-up hot dog stand that sold beer by the pail). It is located behind the bleacher section of Wrigley Field, making it an easy pre-and-post-game hang-out for those die hard Cubs fans, the bleacher bums.

Park Grill
11 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60602

Specializing in classic American cuisine with a hint of sophistication, Park Grill is versatile venue with an equally broad menu.

Ruth's Chris Steak House
431 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

All the steak house accoutrements are in supply here, but it's the pat of butter on the steak at the end that sells it to steak house aficionadoes. Chicago steak gets solid treatment here.

Shochu
3313 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Named after the famed Japanese liquor, Shochu, this restaurant is trendy in nature with their Asian-inspired small plate recipes.

Vines on Clark
3554 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Don't have tickets to the game? Vines on Clark is the place to be. With views of Wrigley Field from the rooftop, beer garden, and a few select seats in the main dining room, along with high-def TVs and the sound of the roaring crowd, it's like you're at the game.

10pin Bowling
330 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.

17 West at The Berghoff
17 W. Adams St., Chicago, IL 60603

The Berghoff, a traditional 19th-century German beer hall located in Chicago's downtown, has been re-born under the direction of the founder's great-grandduaghter Carlyn Berghoff.

312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602

Ai
358 W. Ontario Street, Chicago, IL 60610

Alumni Club
871 E. Algonquin Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

Tons of big screen TVs and cold beer.

Andy's Jazz Club
11 E. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

B.L.U.E.S
2519 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60614

Chicago blues house features local artists every night at 9:30 p.m. Cover varies.

Bamboo Room
616 E. Golf Rd., Schaumburg, IL 60173

South Pacific-inspired lounge, with nightly DJs.

Big Chicks
5024 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL 60640

The colorful Uptown bar caters to a mostly lesbian and gay clientele but is very straight-friendly.

Bin 36
339 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This spot has everything for the oenophile, with a retail store, tavern, restaurant and cheese bar.

Blue Chicago
536 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.

Cans Bar and Canteen
1640 N. Damen Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Harlem Avenue Lounge
3701 South Harlem Ave., Berwyn, IL 60402

Blues fills the air every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at the Harlem Avenue Lounge.

Murphy's Bleachers
3655 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60613

NV Penthouse Lounge
116 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

This ultra-hip modern lounge sits atop 7 floors and serves an exclusive crowd. Take in the sweeping views of the Chicago skyline while the new-wave DJs keep the pop music thumping in the background. The outdoor terrace is a popular place to imbibe a pricy, but well-made drink.

RiNo Lounge
343 W. Erie, Chicago, IL 60610

Rino lounge is a new Chicago hot apot that already has the celebrities visiting. This posh after-hours hot spot with animal and naturalistic motifs boasts sightings of stars like Entourage's Jeremy Piven, David Schwimmer, Michael Jordan, and the cast of Prison Break.

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

Top-notch piano players make The Redhead Piano Bar a sought-after venue when it comes to sophisticated live music in Chicago. Gather around the piano, or head toward the back of the room for more intimate conversation.

Vines on Clark
3554 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

10pin Bowling
330 N. State St., Chicago, IL 60610

This hip, nightlife-centered Chicago lounge features 24 bowling lanes and an extensive martini list. Edible fare here is served from a small plates menu, perfect for sharing.

Ravinia Festival
418 Sheridan Rd., Highland Park, IL 60035

A lineup of pop, classical, folk, jazz and other musical performances under the stars or an open-air pavilion. Concerts March through Sept.

The Second City
1616 N. Wells St., Chicago, IL 60614

The best in comedy and the launching ground of generations of comedic talent, The Second City guarantees a fun night out.

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