For most college students, finding a nearby bar to toast the end of finals (or the end of the week) is as easy as throwing a rock and waiting patiently for it to hit the first place with the word "tavern" in the name. But not all of life's moments call for a place with you-call-it well drinks for 50 cents a pop. Sometimes it's a visit from the parents, other times it's the need for a swank martini bar to charm the object of your affections.
Regardless of your reason, there are a few bars within walking distance of your future alma mater that will allow you to keep both money in your pocket and dignity on your person.
Columbia College/Roosevelt/SAIC: Butcher's Dog
A short walk from the downtown "superdorm," the South Loop's Butcher's Dog manages to combine a lounge atmosphere with the down-home feel of an Irish pub. The menu is a reasonably priced alternative to the usual bar food, with most sandwiches and entrees under $10. It's quiet enough that you'll still be able to hold a conversation while seated at one of its back tables, even if there's a crowd in the front bar enjoying the game on one of six TVs. Drink specials like $3 import bottles on Monday mean you can still pick up the tab if Dad calls your bluff when you offer to pay during one of those weekend visits.
UIC: BeviAmo Wine Bar
Located on Taylor Street, BeviAmo Wine Bar is a bit of a hike from the center of UIC's campus, but it's worth the trip. The wine list is extensive—but not expensive—and the combination of cozy couches and barely-there lighting seem custom-made for a little PDA. Thick curtains absorb the music filling the room, courtesy of the DJ spinning Eurobeats or the man behind the piano in the corner. Wednesday is the cheapest night to drink, with $2 Miller Lites and $2 Jager shots, but class it up on Mondays with $5 martinis or Thursdays with wine by the glass for $5.
DePaul: Gramercy
The stretch of Lincoln Avenue near DePaul's Lincoln Park campus is usually filled with those still in school or acting as though they are. The Gramercy stands in stark contrast to the rest of the neighborhood: It's more cocktails than Coors, with swanky white vinyl booths throughout and waterfalls cascading behind the bar. Vodka drinks and martinis are usually on special during the latter half of the working week, while small plate-style dishes for less than $10 will give you enough of a base to avoid stumbling home like the rest of the backwards-baseball-cap crowd.
Loyola: Jackhammer
Though most nights at this gay dance bar mean cover charges and hard-thumping music, this straight-friendly Edgewater hangout near Loyola becomes the perfect place to nurse a hangover on Sunday afternoons. The bar's free "Sunday BBQ" features a rotating series of dishes from Greek meatloaf to chop suey (or pizza on the days when the chef has been out late). Hair of the dog comes cheap, too, with bottles of Bud and Berghoff on special for $2 and free shots on game days from the bartender every time the Bears score.
Northwestern: Rhythm Room Bar & Bistro
Dinner and a movie is a date-night staple, but settling into the high-backed leather seats at the Rhythm Room Bar and Bistro made us forget the latter. Luckily, a ticket isn't required to enter this posh spot, located just west of NU in the Evanston Century CineArts building. The Art-Deco surroundings are surprisingly quiet, even with the warehouse-style ceilings and constant flow of moviegoers. Bottles of beer come in under four dollars, while pints of Guinness and frozen margaritas under five bucks are always appreciated. It's not quite the Signature Room, but seats next to the window make for good people watching while you dine on $8 paninis or $5 tiramisu.
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