Rockit Ranch Production partners Billy Dec and Brad Young, already nightlife impresarios who've answered plenty of last calls, have decided to heed Chicago's demand for an upscale place to slow down. With Rockit Bar & Grill, they've taken a timeless bar formula (lots of space, plenty of entertainment, and stick-to-your-guts food) and covered it with a glossy sheen. The tall ceilings and handmade leather chairs create a lively loft party atmosphere, encouraging you to relax and kick back as long as you can afford a few rounds of cocktails.

Bringing a sophisticated edge to the bar & grill concept, Rockit features appropriately evolved versions of classic eats, like a jumbo crabcake appetizer with toasted hazelnuts and orange vinaigrette, a black angus meatloaf sandwich with portobello gravy and the Rockit burger, a not-your-average-patty $19 creation that features melted brie, fried shallots, medjool aioli and truffle fries.

Wash down your meal with a "thirst-quenching rocktail or rockitini" like the Rockit Root beer (Stoli Vanil, Godiva white chocolate liquer and root beer). Switch to bloody marys when you hit it up in the morning for Sunday brunch (11 a.m.-4 p.m., with an acoustic performance); a very reasonable $5 gets you access to 25+ drink toppings, including marinated baby octopus, grilled zucchini and cheese roses.

Average cost: $21-$30

Centerstage Reviewer: Patrick Sisson