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dance and techno sounds, while downstairs has DJs spinning mostly
house and hip-hop. Zentra attracts an eclectic mix of patrons who
come to soak in the exotic vibes, do some people-watching, and sim-
ply have fun dancing.
923 W. Weed St. (just south of North Ave. at Clybourn
Ave.).
&
312/787
-
0400.
http://zentranightclub.com. Cover $15-$20. Subway/El:
Red Line to North/Clybourn.
5 The Bar & Cafe Scene
If you want to soak up the atmosphere of a neighborhood tavern or
sports bar, it's best to venture beyond downtown into the surround-
ing neighborhoods. Lincoln Park, Wrigleyville, and Bucktown/
Wicker Park have well-established nightlife zones that abound with
bright, upscale neighborhood bars. You'll also find numerous dives
and no-frills “corner taps” in the blue-collar neighborhoods.
As for hotel nightlife, virtually every hotel in Chicago has a cock-
tail lounge or piano bar and, in some cases, more than one distinct
environment where you can take an aperitif before dinner or watch
an evening of entertainment. The piano bars at The Drake Hotel
and the Ambassador East Hotel's Pump Room are standouts.
BARS
THE LOOP & VICINITY
Miller's Pub
A true Loop landmark, Miller's has been serving
up after-work cocktails to downtown office workers for more than
50 years; it's one of the few places in the area that offers bar service
until the early morning hours. There's a full dinner menu, too. Auto-
graphed photos of movie stars and sports figures cover the walls;
while some might be unrecognizable to younger patrons, they testify
to the pub's long-standing tradition of friendly hospitality.
134 S.
Wabash Ave. (between Jackson Blvd. and Adams St.).
&
312/645
-
5377.
Subway/
El: Red Line to Jackson.
NEAR THE MAGNIFICENT MILE
Cru Café and Wine Bar
A couple of 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, hip
light fixtures, and 400-plus wine list. Comfortable and loungy, the
cafe also serves a lunch, dinner, and late-night menu of seafood,
soups and salads, quiche, caviar, sandwiches, 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.
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