From barbecue and brews to baked goods and bands, we've got a list of the hottest Labor Day happenings. Check out these spots to find out how much time you won't have to spend in the kitchen.
Score free appetizers at Martini Park
Martini Park will open at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 31 in honor of Labor Day. The bar will be passing complimentary appetizers from 6 to 8 p.m. including barbecue-style treats like pulled pork and beef sliders, deviled eggs, mini hot dogs and cotton candy. Resist the urge to wash it all down with a cold brew and order up one of the bar's signature martinis instead.
Feast on ribs at Karma
This suburban restaurant already has enough dishes on its regular menu to warrant a visit, but its featured Labor Day specials will make you want to run there. From August 29 through September 1, Karma will be featuring two celebratory dishes. We recommend sticking with the hearty Asian pepper short ribs in a spice tamari glaze, served with yaki soba noodles and Swiss chard, $23. Or you could have a feast from the sea with the Pacific Rim halibut, stuffed with Thai chili-spiced rock shrimp and scallops, $24.
Lie about the dessert you didn't make from Deerfields Bakery
All three Deerfields locations (Deerfield, Buffalo Grove and Schaumburg) will be offering patrons the sweetest Labor Day special. The Summer Fling, as it's called, is available by special-order only and includes the bakery's gluten-free yogurt shortcakes with balsamic strawberries and caramel whipped cream. Think of it as the perfect ending to your own backyard barbecue; now you just have to worry about the grilled goods.
Rock out with beer and beats at Enclave
Enclave is celebrating its second annual Global Adrenaline Anniversary Festival on Sunday, August 31. The music fest kicks off at 5 p.m. with an opening performance by Makeshift Prodigy. As the evening progresses, the front lot of Enclave will transform into Chicago's biggest beer garden, making way for a special performance by Sugar Ray. Tickets to the outdoor show are $10, admission to the club, outdoor festival and after party is $20. Table reservations are available.
Fill up on barbecue at Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue (Elk Grove Village)
On September 1, this Elk Grove restaurant is serving up its classic dishes to a hungry crowd. The buffet will include favorites like Sweet Baby Ray's award-winning slow-smoked barbecue ribs and pulled pork, in addition to its staple hot dogs, burgers and bratwursts. The buffet runs all day and is $15.99 for adults, $8.99 for childrent. Drinks aren't included, but specials like $2.25 Miller Lite drafts and $5 Jose Curevo margaritas will be available.
Stay in a pimped-out racer room at the James Hotel
Kick off your booze and barbecue-filled weekend with an athletic endeavor. You'll burn off all those carbs beforehand and you'll be benefiting. The James Hotel will be offering specialty rates and packages in honor of Nike's Human Race. The "upgraded racer" option includes a room chalk full of Gatorade, Power Bars and plenty of Nike sportsbands. You'll also get complimentary Human Race Hats, free music downloads and a pre-race carb loading dinner for two. In addition, the James Hotel offers a "basic racer" package with rates starting at $205.
Subscribe in your favorite reader using the links below. To learn more about feeds and RSS, click here.
