Chicago's Best See and Be Seen 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

This military-chic lounge from Rockit Ranch (Le Passage, Rockit) lives up to its hush-hush name—literally and figuratively.

Reviews:

• “Friday and Saturday night”
• “A RANDOM DUDE LICKED MY FACE”
• “First Class”
• “Save your money…go to O’Calahan’s”
• “WORST BAR IN CHICAGO”

Tips: Don’t expect any signage; Underground thrives on its own “insider” appeal. Here’s a hint: It’s in the alley behind Ben Pao where all the commotion is. In other words—it’s the old Harry’s Velvet Lounge.

The Underground

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

Premium service and luxury offerings aim to pamper at this buzz-worthy Gallery District lounge.

Reviews:

• “Spent lots of money to be treated poorly!”
• “Rip-off”
• “Not worth it”
• “monochromatic, rude female manager (you know who you are M——sa!), ok food, $$$ drinks”
• “Avoid this Place”

Tips: The buzz on this place equals long lines and a frenzied bar. Avoid the headache by booking a table and staying true to your reservation—extra guests and tardiness will slow otherwise expedited admittance.

Stone Lotus

This clean air, all-organic popular night spot is ground zero for the hottest hip-hop, soul and rap DJing

Reviews:

• “AMAZING! AMAZING! AMAZING!”
• “Great vibe, considerate staff”
• “sweet”
• “Rude and Discriminatory Door man”
• “Terrible night”

Tips: The $10-$20 cover charge is waived if you get in before 11pm. Thursday through Saturday (doors open at 9pm).

Funky Buddha Lounge or email Funky Buddha Lounge

Lincoln Park lounge flies high with more than 130 types of vodka and an icy, jetliner interior.

Reviews:

• “DON’T WASTE YOUR TIME!!!!!”
• “Jet’s Hot!”
• “Disagree”
• “Bring Singles to Tip the Strippers”
• “Have a Plan B”

Tips: Most of the seating is for VIPs so call ahead to reserve a table or go to the club’s website.

Jet Vodka Lounge

Slick party crews beam into this futuristic River North dance club with booming sound and flamboyant lighting.

Reviews:

• “DO NOT VALET IF YOU VALUE YOUR STUFF!!!”
• “SERIOUSLY”
• “Wack DJ”
• “Sense This”
• “Awesome Saturday Nights”

Tips: Head to the back and step up to the elevated bar area for a good view of the teeming dance floor.

Ontourage

Comfortable, convenient Wicker Park hangout scores with easy atmosphere and a creative, casual global menu.

Reviews:

• “I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE TO MY WORST ENEMY”
• “good value, great food "
• “Overall, disappointing”
• “Great food, lousy service”
• “Poor customer service on 5/27 for Sunday brunch”

Tips: On Monday or Tuesday, buy an entree and get half off any bottle of wine—or if you’d prefer, BYOB. And Sat-Sun during brunch, valet parking is free.

Feast

Riverfront restaurant sandwiched between two levels of terraced outdoor seating features drinking and eclectic dining for all seasons.

Reviews:

• “Great Restaurant, Great Experience on the River”
• “Wonderful ‘Bossa Nova’ Brunch”
• “horrible service, tasteless food, trashy server”
• “Not Recommended”
• “Beautiful restaurant on the river…”

Tips: Diners intent on a romantic meal should request a table as far from the bar as possible. The post-happy hour volume level can run a bit high.

Flatwater or email Flatwater

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