Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
to the famous
Saturday Night Live
sketch. Despite all the press, the Goat has
endured the hype without sacrificing a thing.
430 N. Michigan Ave.
&
312/222-1525.
Subway/El: Red Line to Grand/State.
Cru Café and Wine Bar
Located a couple blocks west of the Mag Mile,
Cru draws both discriminating oenophiles and curious tourists with its sleek
interior of gold-painted surfaces, a zebra-wood bar, and hip light fixtures—and
with its 400-plus wine list. Comfortable and loungy, the cafe also serves a lunch,
dinner, and late-night menu of seafood, soups and salads, quiche, caviars, sand-
wiches, and desserts. A 40-seat alfresco seating area is available in warm weather.
888 N. Wabash Ave.
&
312/337-4078.
Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago.
Domaine
Say goodbye to minimalism at this swanky nightspot, a combina-
tion bar, restaurant, and homage to luxurious living. The decor here is sumptu-
ous (floor-length velvet curtains, gold-framed paintings), which draws a
sophisticated crowd in their 30s and 40s. Reserve a table in advance if you want
to sit anywhere other than the bar. The menu offers plates of hors d'oeuvres
meant for sharing (although the prices are fairly high, ranging from $20-$60).
But most people come here to look, not to eat.
1045 N. Rush St.
&
312/397-1045.
Cover $10 on weekends. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago.
Signature Lounge
For the price of a trip to the John Hancock tower obser-
vatory (two floors below), you can drink in the view and a cocktail at this lofty
lounge. The views are fabulous (especially at sunset), though you'll probably be
surrounded by other tourists. It's open until 1am Sunday through Thursday and
until 2am on the weekends.
96th floor of the John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Ave.
&
312/787-7230.
Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago.
RIVER NORTH & VICINITY
Bar Louie
A slightly more upscale take on the neighborhood bar concept, Bar
Louie has built its reputation on better-than-average bar food and a creative
selection of beers and cocktails. Professionals gather here after work; their restau-
rant and club equivalents stop by between 1 and 3am. Bar Louie isn't doing any-
thing revolutionary, but its friendly service and approachable atmosphere make
it a popular spot for locals who want a casual night out. In the past few years,
Bar Louie outposts have also appeared in the West Loop (123 N. Halsted St.;
&
312/207-0500
), Lincoln Park (1800 N. Lincoln Ave.;
&
312/337-9800
),
Lakeview (3545 N. Clark St.;
&
773/296-2500
), and Bucktown (1704 N.
Damen Ave.;
&
773/645-7500
).
226 W. Chicago Ave. (between Franklin and Wells sts.).
&
312/337-3313.
Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Chicago.
Brehon Pub
Big front windows, a high tin ceiling, and a great antique back
bar lend charm to this little neighborhood bar in (often) tourist-packed River
North. Brehon regulars hang out weeknights after work and even at lunchtime,
when the tavern serves up sandwiches and soup. In the 1970s, the
Sun-Times
newspaper set up this spot as a phony bar (appropriately named The Mirage)
and used it in a “sting” operation to expose city corruption.
731 N. Wells St. (at Supe-
rior St.).
&
312/642-1071.
Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Chicago.
Celtic Crossings
Drop in on a Sunday evening for the bar's weekly tradi-
tional Irish jam session and you're sure to hear a bevy of brogues. There's no tel-
evision in this quaint pub, just a decent jukebox stocked with Irish and
American favorites, delicious pints of Guinness (the best in Chicago, claim
many Irish expats), and a cozy fireplace.
751 N. Clark St. (between Superior St. and
Chicago Ave.).
&
312/337-1005.
Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Chicago.
Finds
