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.
Bottoms Up!
Party saloon-style at The Pony
Belly up to the newest saloon in town. But unlike the wild west, you're sorrounded with flat-screen TVs anywhere you turn. And don't worry, they don't actually serve pony on the menu, just the biggest grilled cheese you'll ever see.
Go back in time to 1914
This sophisticated spot, in the back of Red Ivy in Wrigleyville, takes its name from those good ol' days just before prohibition hit. White-collared and black-tie mixologists man the bar, while waitresses decked out in 1920s flapper attire flirtatiously take orders and serve drinks.
A room with a C-View
Located on the 29th floor of Chicago's newly renovated Affinia Hotel, this place offers something most hotel bars in the area don't. That something is a killer view of the city's skyline. And just in case you forget where you are the bar shakes up a cocktail to remind you. This signature "29th floor" tipple is mixed just as elegantly as the lounge's posh crowd. But don't be thrown-off by those donning ties and button-ups; it's likely that they just haven't had time to change before heading over for a post-work libation.
The Note re-incarnated as The Flat Iron
The Flat Iron is easily another place to grab a PBR and play pool after most other taverns close. More abstractly, the venue is a muster for the latent essence that defined Wicker Park a decade ago: art exposed. The décor has the composite of an enormous body covered in tattoo.
Meet your friends at Crossroads Public House
Try this on for size: For 20 bucks on Fridays for a limited time, you can get all the beer you want, all the pizza and tots you can eat, and all the Wii you can play (well, as long as there's not a line). Even when that deal runs out, this Lincoln Park sports bar has enough booze, food and diversions to keep you coming back.
Construct an elegant evening at Rebar
Though it's named after the building material used to reinforce concrete structures, this swanky bar and lounge in the Trump International Hotel & Tower doesn't resemble anything close to a construction site. Expect intimate environs, breathtaking views and some high-powered, high-priced cocktails.
Barely Buzzed
Angels & Kings
This River North Lounge comes to you from Fall Out Boy's (and Ashlee Simpson's) Pete Wentz, among others.
Logan Bar & Grill
The people behind Black Beetle and Northside Bar and Grill opened this Logan Square spot in June.
Bull & Bear
The owners of Stone Lotus bring an upscale sports bar to the River North neighborhood. Watch the game inside, or watch the people walking by on the spacious sidewalk cafe.
Still Sober
Addiction Sports Bar & Lounge
In the space of the former Rushmore comes a brand new sports bar, opening any day now.
Fat Cat
A neighborhood bar plops down on Chicago Avenue.
Loft Six Ten
Open late and with lounge-style seating, this Wicker Park spot will cater to everyone from decked-out nightcrawlers to local regulars when it opens in July or August.
Old Oak Tap
West Town residents and bar mavens, partners Chris and Susan Ongkiko and Amy Teri, will unveil their latest development in early August.
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