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» Best Weeknight Fun Chicago
Nobody nails the weekend’s can’t-miss nightlife like Night+Day. But what if you’re feeling feisty mid-week? Forget about quiet evenings curled up with your Kindle—we’re giving you prime picks for Weeknight Fun around the world. Hump day will never be the same!
Best Weeknight Fun in....
Best Weeknight Fun
Chicago
Between Boutique Café & Lounge 1324 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wicker Park, 773-292-0585 betweenchicago.com
The Draw: Bravo TV’s Top Chef New York contestant, Radhika Desai, runs the kitchen at this global melting pot. If that’s not enough to lure you, Between’s Make-Out Mondays feature classic romantic films on big-screen TVs. Desai creates bargain-priced specialty cocktails that pair with the films. For example, at a recent showing of Casablanca she whipped up $4 gin joints. The Scene: With its sultry ambiance (low-slung tables, feather-adorned light fixtures, mauve walls), and heavenly food (lobster ravioli, pan-roasted mussels) already going for it, this weekly event cements Between’s reputation as a dater’s destination. So clink your glasses and take your time, lovers—nobody will kick you out before the credits roll. Hot Tip: Waiters ferry out bowls of complimentary house-made popcorn (a savory mix of caramel corn, herbed butter, and white truffle parmesan) during screenings.
J Bar
610 N. Rush St., Magnificent Mile, 312-660-7200 jameshotels.com
The Draw: Video art shown on an 84-inch plasma TV casts a mesmerizing glow at The James Hotel’s dark, sexy nightspot, J Bar. On Wednesday evenings guests get their digital fix from free Wii. A full-fledged competition mounts as tennis, bowling, baseball, golf, and boxing matches break out before the big screen, and continue well into the night. The Scene: The 20- and 30-somethings that gather here dress more for dinner parties than for video games (try delivering killer uppercuts and backhands in Christian Louboutin pumps). But that’s not to say there’s a genteel vibe here—cheers and jeers fill the bar. Equally cheer-worthy are the $2 mini steak “Burkers” (chef David Burke’s signature burgers) and $3 domestic and imported beers. Hot Tip: Arrive between 6–8pm for complimentary appetizers.
Rockit Bar & Grill
22 W. Hubbard St., River North, 312-645-6000 rockitbarandgrill.com
The Draw: Nightlife guru Billy Dec’s resto/bar broadens its usual American-grub line-up every Monday, when it features decidedly international flavors. Bites are appetizer-sized, as are the prices. Past menus have included ground-lamb Greek flatbreads ($6) paired with a glass of St. George wine ($4), and mini German bratwursts (three for $8) with crispy potato pancakes ($6). The Scene: An industrial-chic vibe (the lofted dining room with exposed beams and brick walls hints at the building’s former life as a lamp factory) appeals to young professionals loosening their ties after work. Rustic wooden tables accommodate big groups, but those flying solo are plenty happy to sit at the bar or on the outdoor patio that overlooks a happening stretch of River North. Hot Tip: Select wine bottles and pours are half-off during TasteIt Mondays and there’s no need to order food to get the discount.
