Need another reason to drink? How about a full roster of them? Just when you thought you had tabs on all the places to get a wet one, another Golden Tee machine is ordered, more Tanqueray is stocked and a new bar opens it doors. Here are some recent scene-joiners to add to your to-drink list, plus some that are on the way.
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The Red Canary talks a good game
A flashy decor and American-themed small plates make this River West lounge in the old Avenue M. Although much of the clientele is "see-and-be-seen," the massive, two-story space has a certain classy charm to it.
Music rules at Lincoln Hall
Lincoln Park music club from the folks behind Schubas.
Park Ave.: Burgers fit for Manhattan
Ah, Park Avenue! The tree-lined medians tinkered with Christmas lights during winter, the pricey real estate ... the designer hamburgers. You'll find the latter, at least, in the Wrigleyville version, which takes the place of Purgatory Pizza.
Red Brick has it all
Swanky restaurant? Upscale sports bar? Rehabbed dive with leftover Al Capone insignia and beer ads? Yup! Red Brick in North Center lets you decide.
Keep the party going at Rockwood Place
Add a new participant to the Wrigleyville party, as this roadhouse-themed bar takes over the spot occupied by The Central. Rock and country bands keep the party going all weekend.
The Bad Apple makes a great burger
A gourmet burger and beer joint opens in the former Feed The Beast spot in Lincoln Square.
Mix and mingle at Old Town Social
This Old Town (where else?) gastropub merges the working man's love of booze and grub with the snob's need for accoutrements like pork belly and aioli.
Rocky's adds to the Sox options
Sox fans will have a new place to hang out near the Cell as this comfy sports bar heads to Bridgeport. Find a simple menu of Italian-inspired sandwiches as well as salads and burgers, as well as a smattering of beers on tap. A beer garden out back is a great place to catch the games.
Make the most of summer at Cedar Hotel
For those who lamented the closing of popular Gold Coast spot Melvin B's, it is reincarnated as this summery outdoor watering hole with refreshing drinks and quality finger food.
Dream is all too real
Pinch yourself. You're not dreaming. The crowd is just that hot and the drinks are just that cheap ($7 average) at Dream, the restaurant/nightclub (from the folks behind the shuttered Stardust in Downers Grove) in the bowels of the Lincoln Park Equinox health club, formerly occupied by Krem.
Start your engines at Clutch
Clutch's home in an old auto shop in West Town makes for a unique layout, with different levels and the oddly shaped patio creating nooks and crannies for parties to hide in. And did we mention the four taps (PBR, Point, Bell's and Beamish) are all served from a repurposed antique gas pump?
Cole's: Artsy, but in a cool way
Find work from local artists and live music from area bands at this friendly Logan Square bar.
Go south of the border at Cocodrilos Grill
Get your favorite Mexican brew at this neighborhood bar in West Town that also makes a mean margarita.
Great views from the Roof
Located on the Wit Hotel's 27th floor, Roof features an indoor bar and lounge clad in muted greys, whites and blacks, offset by an indoor fireplace and plush seating. If the indoor lounge is understated, it must be because Roof's view of State Street is the best you're going to get without a high-roller job, a helicopter trip or a pricey room in the Wit itself.
Barely Buzzed
Queens Tavern & Bistro
The former Cornelia's in Lakeview gets a quick makeover and opens a more casual back bar with a less expensive menu.
6 Corners Sports Bar
Watch all the games on flat-screens galore, as well as a 10-foot projection screen above the bar, at this sporty new bar in Wicker Park. Bar food focuses on sides with plenty of dipping options, as well as a slider menu.
Pitchfork
The owners of Waterhouse and Rebel Bar & Grill bring this comfy Avondale bar with a menu full of sandwiches, burgers, salads, and entrees like meatloaf and ribs. Trivia on Wednesdays, too.
New Line Tavern
The owners of Southport Lanes and Daily Bar & Grill bring this happy hour special, complete with many of Daily's menu favorites and a casual atmosphere perfect for the after-work crowd.
Bar Novo
Swanky new bar inside the Loop's Renaissance Chicago Hotel.
Beckett's Public House
This Samuel Beckett-inspired pub in Lakeview takes the spot of the former Belly's. Expect upscale pub grub and plenty of beers on tap.
Scarlet
Closed in February after a fire, this Boystown bar opens its doors again and is as fabulous as ever.
The Cellar
Small plates and fine wine in Evanston.
Sweetwater
This Loop bar and grill in former Bennigan's spot comes from the folks at Boundary.
The Terrace at Trump
Sophisticated outdoor spot on the 16th floor of the Trump Hotel.
Cuvee
This swank River North party spot comes from the owners of Enclave.
Patty O'Fegan
This traditional Irish pub will open in the West Loop.
The Rocking Horse
Beer is the name of the game at this Logan Square bar, which has a dozen beers on tap and more than 50 more microbrew bottles.
Still Sober
Tantrik
Get sensual at this new River West club, opening sometime in November.
Mango
Expect to see this West Loop lounge, taking over for the short-lived Addiction sports bar, sometime in November.
Cuna
This contemporary restaurant/bar opens in Lakeview in November with a casual, Mediterranean-inspired menu.
Small Bar (Lincoln Park)
The third outpost of popular bar hits Lincoln Park sometime in November.