Lockdown Bar & Grill
Need another reason to drink? How about a full roster of them? Just when you thought you had tabs on all the places to get a wet one, another Golden Tee machine is ordered, more Tanqueray is stocked and a new bar opens it doors. Here are some recent scene-joiners to add to your to-drink list, plus some that are on the way.
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Do time at Lockdown Bar & Grill
This heavy-metal burger bar in Ukrainian Village also has a prison theme. "Live" concerts are shown nightly on the big screen, highlighting an "earth-trembling" sound system.
Stay a while at Longman & Eagle
The folks behind Empty Bottle have opened a new "Chicago inn" type of place in Logan Square that is a bar, but also has sleeping accommodations in the tradition of old-time Chicago inns.
Late Bar goes all night long
The Planet Earth people bring eclectic music, themed music nights and specialty cocktails to the Avondale party crowd.
Lobby Lounge takes date night to another level
The new Kerasotes movie theater in the South Loop adds a little something extra with this Jerry Kleiner-designed lounge. Grab a drink before or after the show in this upscale 150-seat lounge that is attached to the theater. There is also a menu made up mostly of pizza and sandwiches.
Touch gets interactive
If the last decade taught us anything, it's that when it comes to electronics, companies best make it touchable. That is the crux of this new Lakeview lounge's "mixology meets technology" philosophy; it offers 100,000-and-counting ways to get a drink without the need for a server.
Stay fabulous at Scarlet
Closed in February after a fire, this Boystown bar opens its doors again and is ready to please. Themed nights keep the party lively, although with an air of sophistication missing from the previous incarnate.
Country and tacos rule Big Star
Grab some tacos and beer (or whiskey) while you listen to country music in the old Pontiac Cafe spot in Wicker Park. The place gets packed, so try to get there early. But the wait for a table is pleasant, as the drinks and honky tonk flow like water.
Learn a little at Beckett's Public House
Ever wonder what a library stocked with specialty beers would be like? Owner Martin Cournane certainly did, and the result is this friendly Lakeview spot. While the opening of yet another Irish-style pub in Chicago might not make headlines, the decent prices and restaurant-cum-study atmosphere at Beckett's is certainly worthy of attention.
Keep it friendly at Queens Tavern & Bistro
The former Cornelia's in Lakeview gets a quick makeover and opens a more casual back bar with a less expensive menu.
Lively up yourself at Mr. Brown's Lounge
Named after a Bob Marley song, this raggae lounge serves authentic Jamaican food with a laid-back, island vibe.
Cheer on the Wildcats at Purple Haze
The former Purgatory Pizza has morphed into Purple Haze, a Wrigleyville burger-and-beer joint with a Northwestern theme.
Dine, drink and dance at Cabalo
This modern-looking club and restaurant takes over the former Cat's Meow space in Humboldt Park, with quality German food, an extensive drink list and even a dance club in the basement.
All aboard the New Line Tavern
The owners of Southport Lanes and Daily Bar & Grill bring this happy hour special to the Chicago North Western Railway power plant, complete with many of Daily's menu favorites and a casual atmosphere perfect for the after-work crowd.
Get saucy at 6 Corners Sports Bar
Watch all the games on flat-screens galore, as well as a 10-foot projection screen above the bar, at this sporty new bar in Wicker Park. Bar food focuses on sides with plenty of dipping sauces, as well as a slider menu.
Barely Buzzed
Small Bar (Lincoln Park)
The third outpost of popular bar hits Lincoln Park.
The Exchange
This cocktail-focused lounge opens in the former Lava Lounge space.
Revolution Brewing
The owner of Handlebar Bar and Grill just opened this Logan Square brewpub.
The Southern
Georgia native Cary Taylor offers Southern comfort food in this Wicker Park space, former home of Chaise Lounge.
The Cellar
Small plates and fine wine in Evanston.
Sweetwater
This Loop bar and grill in former Bennigan's spot comes from the folks at Boundary.
Cuna
This contemporary restaurant/bar opens in Lakeview with a casual, Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Cuvee
This swank River North party spot comes from the owners of Enclave.
Still Sober
Wolcott's
Grab a local beer or martini and order up from the menu full of comfort food favorites at this quaint Lincoln Square bar, set to open in early February. There will be TVs to watch the game and a patio coming in the summer.
Rehab
The old martini lounge connected to Circuit in Boystown is re-opening in early February, complete with a fresh new look and cocktail-heavy menu.
Primebar
Grab a quick lunch or after-work drinks at this Loop bar/restaurant on the Chicago River, opening in late January. The food is bar fare with a touch of class, and the place comes from the owners of Bar Louie.
Nice Slice Pizza Bar
It's all about beer and pizza at this spot from the folks behind Simone's Bar, opening in Logan Square in February.
Tantrik
Get sensual at this new River West club, opening later this winter.
Moe's Cantina (River North)
The popular Wrigleyville bar plans to open a River North outpost this spring.
The folks behind Bull & Bear and Stone Lotus will be opening a similar spot in the former Redfish space at 400 N. State St., sometime in the summer.
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