Chicago's Best Bartenders

Business-casual types stop by for tasty hamburgers and after-work cocktails and at this cheery Irish pub in the Insurance Exchange Building.

Reviews:

• “I’m a hamburger guy. Can’t beat that hamburger ANYWHERE!”
• “Solid place”
• “Love It! Food – Love it! cost- Love it! Clean Bathrooms”
• “Love this place”
• “Great place to meet after work …”

Tips: The bar’s hours reflect its business mindset, so it’s open solely on weekdays, and then only until 9pm, when good executives go home and go to bed.

Poag Mahone’s

Fine dining meets boisterous bar scene at this Lincoln Park/Clybourn Corridor multi-level space.

Reviews:

• “Eh, I hear it is a good drinking place but avoid the food”
• “Best Dining Indulgence!”
• “Best Pizza”
• “EVERYTHING was fantastic!”
• “Surprising find”

Tips: A specialty cocktail list features old favorites like a potent cosmo made with Orange Grey Goose, and refreshing non-martini options like the Bellini—-equal parts Prosseco and peach puree.

Landmark Grill & Lounge or email Landmark Grill & Lounge

Beneath its sassy sign, River North’s tunester paradise is old-school (in good way).

Reviews:

• “A spot not to miss.”
• “Classy Chicago Piano Bar”
• “Don’t waste your time!”
• “Not the best place if you are of a different race.”
• “HORRIBLE SERVICE”

Tips: Not a fan of coat check? Then skip the outerwear, or leave it in the car, since checking is required Thursday through Saturday.

The Redhead Piano Bar

A trendy crowd coos over daring Japanese-Brazilian fusion cuisine at this flashy dining destination.

Reviews:

• “Best of the Best”
• “Great new years party!”
• “very pricey bad food”
• “Sushi Mumbo Jumbo”
• “Gets the spirit on!”

Tips: Sit at a perimeter table for prime people-watching. Communal tables are cramped, with back-less stools that make for a sore back. At night, head to the rooftop lounge for a cocktail.

Sushi Samba Rio or email Sushi Samba Rio

Subdued Streeterville steakhouse draws a heavy-hitting corporate crowd for red meat in sophisticated surroundings.

Reviews:

• “great pick!”
• “Flo’s Filet at the Outback would have been way better”
• “Remarkable dining experience”
• “Host Staff is superior!!”
• “Great Anniversary Dinner!”

Tips: The wine list offers a global selection of more than 500 wines.

The Capital Grille or email The Capital Grille

This River North spot draws a Merchandise Mart crowd for salads, sandwiches, steaks and after-work cocktails.

Reviews:

• “ATTENTION ALL CARNIVORES… STEAK ALERT …..STEAK ALERT…..”
• “This is a Steak House????”
• “Just Another Steak House”
• “Our New Favorite Place!”
• “Totally Average!!!”

Tips: Party rooms and customized menus are available for large groups, as well as office catering. Call the event coordinator (312) 543-4405 to set something up.

Kinzie Chophouse or email Kinzie Chophouse

Heavy hitters and swinging singles mix over martinis and red meat at this flashy carnivore’s paradise.

Reviews:

• “You go for the atmosphere, not the food!”
• “Rome to Chicago for a recommended Steak from American Bob Poulsom, Shame the food wasnt up to his recommendation.”
• “A GIANT DISAPPOINTMENT!”
• “Avoid Completely – Rude Service”
• “Best steak in the city! Fun atmosphere.”

Tips: Gibsons is notorious for long waits, despite reservations. Don’t be surprised if you wait up to half an hour or more for your reserved table.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

This dark lounge has evolved into one of Lincoln Park’s better places to knock back a shot to good music.

Reviews:

• “Great place for the beer aficionado”
• “Hello from Austin”
• “Cool bar”
• “The Best”
• “Best bar in the city, IMHO.”

Tips: Nightly bar specials: Mon: $1 beer in cans, $2 Jim Beam drinks, free billiards. Wed: $2 Pabst Blue Ribbon bottles. Fri: $2 Maker’s Mark drinks, $2 LaBatt’s Blue bottles. Sat: $2 Warsteiner beer.

Delilah’s

Select brews and a popular patio define this Lakeview Garden of Eden.

Reviews:

• “Good stuff! Chill place with nice staff and tasty food…”
• “Kick A$$ Beer Selection”
• ""
• “fun place, expensive beer”
• “Great Beer Great Staff”

Tips: On weekday afternoons when the weather is nice, expect the patio to fill by 6pm or 7pm. But there’s a constant ebb and flow, so you may not have to wait long to score an outside seat.

Sheffield’s Beer and Wine Garden

Honest-to-goodness prime beef in a tasteful setting.

Reviews:

• “40th bday celebration”
• “Exceptional Service and Superb Food!!”
• “Best steakhouse ever! I can’t wait until the Chicago Prime re-opens again in Schaumburg!”
• “The best defunct steakhouse anywhere”
• “Gave up on the place”

Tips: The cozy fireside room is the place to be in the wintertime. It seats 75 people, and is one of the most requested spaces in the restaurant.

Chicago Prime Steakhouse

Laid-back Roscoe Village types flock to this neighborhood hangout for its great beer selection and beer garden.

Reviews:

• “Fair choice, good food”
• “Roscoe Village pub”
• “THE Hangout”
• “Awesome!”
• “Great Place”

Tips: Liveliest on Friday and Saturday nights, or go anytime for a beer and a bite to eat.

Village Tap or email Village Tap