Chicago's Best Over-30s Singles Scene 2008

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

It’s Nick every Nite at this Streeterville sitcom-inspired bar and lounge.

Reviews:

• “Fun place to have a few drinks!!!”
• “Love this Place”

Tips: Chicken pot pies, fondue and macaroni-and-cheese are all part of the nostalgic vibe.

Reagle Beagle

Special-occasion partiers and tourists sing along at this rollicking River North piano bar.

Reviews:

• “kind of love this place”
• “Brilliant inclusive fun!”
• “Guaranteed a great time”
• “Bad Experience”
• “One howl of a good time!”

Tips: A $1-$2 tip generally accompanies a song request.

Howl At The Moon or email Howl At The Moon

Texas nightspot import teaches River North what “big” is all about, starting with almost 40 suggested cocktails.

Reviews:

• “River North is the best”
• “My FAVORITE new find! Superb atmosphere and great people”
• “don’t bother”
• “Martini Park and Chicago people rock! "
• “Fun fun fun "

Tips: Valet is a good investment in this busy part of town, although it might make sense to circle the block—searching the side streets—first.

Martini Park or email Martini Park

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

An inspired update of the classic martini bar within an upscale hotel.

Reviews:

• “First class!”

Tips: Any evening after work, the bar is active but still comfortable.

The Bar at The Peninsula

Big steaks and clubby atmosphere draw after-work crowds to this heavy-hitting Rush Street restaurant.

Reviews:

• “A great place to take a work break”
• “Tavern on Rush- A great location with lousy cuisine”
• “Terrible service”
• “Fun place to take friends”
• “Pathetic experience”

Tips: During the warmer months, the Tavern’s sidewalk patio is the ultimate spot for Rush Street people-watching.

Tavern on Rush or email Tavern on Rush

This loungy bar offers a mature alternative to the Division Street meat market.

Reviews:

• “Horrible service, rude bouncers”
• “Not a good place for tourists”
• “Worst party experience EVER”
• “Hottest Hussies Around on Wed”
• “Best bar in area”

Tips: Leg Room features some of the best music around, with live classic rock performances every Wednesday at 9pm and DJs spinning hip-hop and R&B into the wee hours Wednesday through Sunday.

The Leg Room

Sleek, sophisticated restaurant-bar draws a Lincoln Park crowd for American fare and a year-round beer garden.

Reviews:

• “Fabulous, all-encompassing bar/restaurant experience! The BEST!!!”
• “A nice place, but not THAT nice. The description pumps the blonde wood…keep that in mind.”

Tips: Look for weekly specials like $2.50 domestic bottled beer, $3 call drinks and half-off entrees on Wednesdays.

Zella or email Zella

This River North three-tiered bar and restaurant is a slightly more sophisticated extension of the Eat Well, Drink Better brand.

Reviews:

• “Check this place out!”
• “This place has skinny fries”
• “Nice after work bar”
• “Definately Check This Place Out”

Tips: Despite all the vintage effort, the bar is is also equipped with ten plasmas flashing financial news and the latest sports headlines.

English or email English