The décor at Matilda's is all about symbols and themes- from the giant clock hanging outside the door that represents the power of time, to the zinc and chrome interior. And everything about the babyATLAS, the bar below Matilda, is about dancing. Above ground, you'll find a comfortable lounge serving a full menu with entrees averaging $10, as well as a full bar with draft beers, martinis and a wide selection of wines. Down below the atmosphere changes, with different music and drinks appropriate for the dancing crowd. You must be at least 23 to get through the door.

Located only two blocks from Wrigley Field, this trendy sports lounge is packed on weekends, but truly shines on game days. Although it features drink specials and multiple big screen TVs (there's even one in the men's bathroom) for baseball viewing, the Red Ivy really comes to life once the game ends and Cubbies fans pour onto Clark Street looking for more entertainment. The bar draws in a sizable crowd with its expansive raised dance areas, DJs and signature drinks. If sports and dancing aren't really your thing, visit the Red Ivy on Thursdays for Retro 80s Night or on Sundays for a Bloody Mary bar.

Have you fallen victim to the common stereotypes about English and Irish food? You know, something along the lines of how the only spice they use is butter? If so, there is an Irish restaurant in the heart of Chicago that will sway your opinion. It's called Finleys and its blocks away from Wrigley Field in the Lakeview neighborhood. The restaurant serves traditional Irish Food and stocks a wide variety of European beers on tap. To add to the authenticity, some of the furniture is traditionally hand made Irish furniture. If you're in the mood to rethink an old stereotype and have the correct meal to complement a Guinness, or four, Finley's just may very well be your place.

Step inside this new Lakeside restaurant and suddenly you may feel like you've just entered a modern art exhibit. Not to worry, Sura offers a delicious Thai fusion cuisine to compliment its space-age decor. On weekends Sura, which means liquor in Thai, takes on a more clubby atmosphere with DJs spinning a steady beat of house and techno. The menu is loaded with Thai influenced originals like the Duck Crepes with Basil, Peanuts, and Saffron Mussel Soup, or the Thai-Style Teriyaki-Glazed Red Snapper with Crab Meat Fried Rice. Sura's unique food and feel are an experience like no other.

The Yard is where Chicagoans go to mingle with other natives. This local watering hole fills the demand for reasonable pub fare and cold beer. They serve lunch, dinner, and a late-night menu for hungry party-goers and their friends. Enjoy the crisp Chicago nights on their outdoor seating while drinking yourself silly; Chicago style.

Drop by SoPo during the warm weather months when its garage door is open to the night air and its tables run up against the sidewalk on Southport Avenue. The back regions of the red-walled lounge and grill include spacious, horseshoe-shaped booths, low-level lighting and a cozy brick-walled dance area where DJs spin after 9pm. On weekends the nightspot is packed from the bar to the door with the trendy young denizens of the Lakeview/Wrigleyville area. Martinis are a Friday night special and appetizers and light entrees are served daily. SoPo also offers private party packages.

Part college sports bar, part trendy club and restaurant, Mad River Bar & Grille spawned from its original New York location and set up shop in the spacious, wood-paneled area where Blue Iguana used to be. Designed to resemble an East Coast ski lodge, Mad River features quirks such as old wooden snowshoes, sports paraphernalia and mounted TVs near its wall-length bar. It offers DJs on weekend nights and open mic night every Wednesday at 8pm. Meals are traditional bar fare, ranging from burgers and wraps to salads and crab pretzels. Entrance is free, but arrive early on weekend nights to avoid the lines. -Lindsey Klingele

The Globe Pub, way up on Irving Park Rd. (twenty minutes north of downtown), may offer trivia Tuesdays and 80's music Fridays, but the best day to enjoy this North Side bar is on a Sunday. Many locals spend the waning hours of their weekend at The Globe, watching soccer games, Bears games, or just talking over drinks in a corner. Living up to its name, The Globe brings in an eclectic group ranging from working class residents from the Rogers Park neighborhood to Lincoln Park yuppies. Even during Bears playoff games there is space to move around in the accommodating two roomed bar. -Jordan Corson

If experimental theatre is your style, Prop Thtr is your venue. Founded in 1981, Prop comes across as a breath of fresh air in the already crowded theatre scene in Chicago. Focusing on original new plays, the theater has already established its presence and hosts the annual New Plays Festival. Past performances include adaptations of the works of Dostoyevsky, Nabokov, Dick and Salinger. Call to book tickets.

This second-run movie house has multiple screens for your viewing pleasure. Tickets are cheap because the films here are several weeks and sometimes months old. For a more enjoyable experience, sit back and relax with popcorn and a soda from the refreshment stand. For film schedules, ticket prices and further information, do call ahead.