Chicago After Dark - Chicago - page 171

banquettes, white marble tables, newspapers hanging on wicker
frames) and American cheeriness (lots of natural light, smiling wait-
staff, smoke-free air). The excellent coffee and hot chocolate are
served European-style on small silver platters with a glass of water on
the side, but it's the desserts that keep the regulars coming back. Try
the apple strudel or millennium torte (glazed with apricot jam and
chocolate ganache), and for a moment you'll swear you're in Vienna.
3601 N. Southport Ave. (at Addison St.). & 773/868 - 1857. Subway/El: Brown Line
to Southport.
Uncommon Ground When you're looking for refuge from
Cubs game days and party nights in Wrigleyville, Uncommon
Ground offers a dose of laid-back, vaguely bohemian civility. Just off
busy Clark Street, the cafe has a fireplace in winter (when the cafe's
bowl—yes, bowl—of hot chocolate is a sight for cold eyes) and a
spacious sidewalk operation in more temperate months. Breakfast is
served all day, plus there's a full lunch and dinner menu. Music fig-
ures strongly; the late Jeff Buckley and ex-Bangle Susanna Hoffs are
among those who've played the place. Open until 2am daily. 1214 W.
Grace St. (at Clark St.). & 773/929 - 3680. Subway/El: Red Line to Addison.

6 The Gay & Lesbian Scene
Most of Chicago's gay bars are conveniently clustered on a stretch of
North Halsted Street in Lakeview (in what's known as Boys Town),
making it easy to sample many of them in a breezy walk.
Circuit It has all the necessary nightclub elements: flashing lights,
a killer sound system, the biggest dance floor in Boys Town, and
plenty of eye candy. Open until 4am on weekends, Circuit attracts a
hard-partying, minimally dressed crowd after all the other local bars
have closed. Friday is “girls' night.” 3641 N. Halsted St. (at Addison St.).
& 773/325 - 2233. www.circuitclub.com. $5-$10 cover. Subway/El: Red Line to
Addison.
Roscoe's Tavern The picture windows facing Halsted make
Roscoe's, a gay neighborhood bar in business since 1987, an espe-
cially welcoming place. It has a large antiques-filled front bar, an out-
door patio, a pool table, and a large dance floor. The 20- and
30-something crowd is friendly and laid-back—except on weekends
when the dance floor is hopping. The cafe serves sandwiches and
salads. 3356 N. Halsted St. (at Roscoe St.). & 773/281 - 3355. Cover after 10pm
Sat $4. Subway/El: Red or Brown line to Belmont.

Finds