You'll be In Fine Spirits after a night out at this lounge.
If you haven't spent a night out in Andersonville, you haven't truly seen the city. Those in the know have no trouble navigating around to find the best of the 'hood, which is so much more than just a "Boystown North." Let us be your guide to the best places to go around the
Berwyn Red Line stop:
Best of the nightlife
Atmosphere
While this bar draws a mostly gay/lesbian crowd, the friendly bar staff and patrons are warm and welcoming to all. The interior boasts exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, a huge bar that's just as long as the dance floor and additional cushy (quiet) seating in the rear lounge. With candles flickering on tables displayed in the front window and a DJ booth overlooking a sizeable dance floor, you can come here to sit and chat or to dance the night away.
Good for groups
Hopleaf
You won't find a better pairing of top-notch beers and quality food anywhere else. Boasting the most Belgian beers on draft anywhere in the city, the bar offers everything from trappist ales to fruity lambics. Don't even consider ordering a Miller Lite here—you might get a dirty look from the knowledgeable, if businesslike, staff if you do.
Cheap eats
China Kitchen
Proudly flexing its Currency Exchange and 20-by-20 square feet of space, this take-out-joint-that-could offers bargains galore. In addition to some steals on lunch specials, China Kitchen offers a good 24 options of far East standards like Kung Po chicken and Lo Meins for $4.95 each – all supported by chicken fried rice or white rice and an egg roll, with a bonus can of pop or bottled water.
Where to chill
Farraguts Tavern
This place caters to an older (and a bit rowdier) crowd than most spots in the neighborhood. Regulars dominate afternoons and evenings, shooting pool and complaining about the Cubs, and later on, a slightly younger and flashier crowd rolls in. Farraguts has staked out a middle ground as a dive-y joint with above-average beer and modest prices, much to the delight of its clientele.
In-the-know spot
In Fine Spirits Lounge
Welcome to a part of Chicago where knowledge of alcohol is a part of life. In Fine Spirits, one of those wine shops responsible for educating the masses on craft liqueurs and beers, got hip to the game and decided 2008 was an excellent year to open this accompanying wine bar. Enjoy classic cocktails spiced with exotic liqueurs, like the gin-based Attention, made with the aromatic Creme de Violette.
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