Chicago After Dark - Chicago - page 166

Elm Street Liquors In a neighborhood often teeming with
tourists, this lounge for locals exudes an urban but laid-back style
with its anything-goes attitude. The music is familiar, and the drinks
are forward-thinking, boasting champagne cocktails rather than the
ubiquitous martinis found at every other nightspot in Chicago. We
especially like that you don't have to pay a cover charge to enjoy the
party. 12 W. Elm St. (at State St.). &

312/337 - 3200. Subway/El: Red Line to

Clark/Division.
Signature Lounge For the price of a trip to the John Hancock
tower observatory ($11, 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, John Hancock Center, 875 N. Michigan Ave. & 312/787 -
7230. Subway/El: Red Line to Chicago.

RIVER NORTH & VICINITY
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 week-
nights after work and even at lunchtime, when the tavern serves
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
Superior St.). & 312/642 - 1071. Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Chicago.
Clark Street Ale House A handsome, convivial tavern and a
popular after-work spot for white- and blue-collar types alike, Clark
Street Ale House features a large open space filled with high tables and
a long cherrywood bar along one wall. Better than the atmosphere are
the 95 varieties of beer, a large majority of them from American micro-
breweries. The bar also offers a wide selection of scotches and cognacs.
742 N. Clark St. & 312/642 - 9253. Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Chicago.
J Bar Yes, this lounge is just off the lobby of the James Hotel, but
it's no conventioneer hangout. The low-slung leather couches, seat-
ing cubes, and flickering votive candles give it the look of an upscale
urban club, and its laid-back vibe has made it a gathering place for
stylish locals in their 20s and 30s. One drawback: you have to call
and reserve a table if you want to be guaranteed a place to sit into
the late-night hours. 610 N. Rush St. (at Wabash Ave.) & 312/660 - 7200. Sub-
way/El: Red Line to Grand.

Finds