Gallery Cabaret is a cushy, though somewhat narrow, Bucktown neighborhood bar and art gallery. Bands perform here several nights a week. Local celebrity blues acts and lounge pianists Ben & Pepper regularly make appearances, and Pepper's art also frequently adorns the walls. Gallery Cabaret has a good selection of beer, though be forewarned-prices are more expensive on weekends. You can also order pizza, if hunger calls. Admission varies.

When culinary heavyweights like chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas (of Alinea fame) create a dedicated space for cocktails, you can't help but take notice. Aviary takes the art of mixing cocktails to a new level by applying the sensibilities of fine cooking. Bartenders become chefs in their own right, experimenting with ingredients and flavors to concoct new recipes. The chef's Kitchen Table offering a 10-course cocktail tasting menu demonstrates how serious they are about their drinks. There are small plates and tapas to accompany your tipples. Done up in deep hues with subdued lighting and contemporary elements, the lounge offers a sophisticated space to enjoy your drinks. Earning accolades since its inception, The Aviary is a must for any cocktail enthusiast.

A fab casual bar and eatery, Au Cheval is chef Brendan Sodikoff's tribute to diner style food and bar bites. Riding high on the success of his previous ventures, notably, Maude's Liquor Bar, the high-flying chef offers a hearty menu comprising delights such as chopped chicken liver, matzoh ball soup and foie gras terrine. There's a section devoted to eggs with specialties like foie gras scrambled eggs as well as omelet with spinach, blue cheese and caramelized onions. The hearty burgers deserve a special mention and rank among the best in town. Weekend brunches are especially popular and draw large crowds. The drinks menu offers a selection of beers and other spirits. Check website for more.

A casual bakery-cafe and bar, Little Goat Bread sits right next to its hugely popular cousin, the Little Goat Diner. As the name suggests, this latest offering from the people behind the Girl & The Goat focuses on breads and baked delights. Open all day long, the little eatery offers a fantastic choice of freshly baked bagels, breads, sandwiches as well as pastries. If the aroma of freshly baked breads won't draw you inside, the cafe's street-facing, glass-fronted facade, giving you irresistible views of the baked goodies, surely will. Later in the evening, the place transforms into a casual spot to chill-out, with craft beer and a selection of cocktails on offer. The bar remains open till 2a. Check website for more.

Nia brings Tapas-style Mediterranean cuisine to Chicago, in a cozy and inviting atmosphere. Drawing inspiration from various food cultures around the world, and using only the finest ingredients, owner Nia Asimis creates a dining experience that is deeply rooted in Mediterranean flavors. Go-to dishes on the menu include Citrus Ceviche, Caprese, Bacon Wrapped Dates and Lamb & Feta Meatballs. Classic desserts and Martinis add a finishing touch to the whole dining experience.The interiors are a blend of rustic and modern with plush leather banquettes, sleek marble-top bar, exposed brickwork and a lovely outdoor patio; perfectly matching the food.

Experience French cuisine and classy cocktails in a sensual and rustic environment at Maude's located in the Near West Side area. The decor carries an old-world charm accentuated by the exposed brick walls, subway tiles, plush leather banquettes, vintage accents and dime lighting. Popular drinks here include the St. Germain Fizz, Chartreuse Smash, Sazerac and Vieux Carre. Aside from the drinks, show-stealers from the food menu feature the Escargot, Steak Tartar, Brussel Sprouts and the Foie Gras. Top-notch service and the refined crowd make this bar a distinguished destination for late-night dining and drinking.

Portage Theater was the first theater in Portage Park to house movies. This classic theater was shut down in 2001, to introduce its patrons with a renovated 1321 seat theater in 2006. Now a host of diverse events including theatrical plays, film screenings, fashion shows, radio and television broadcasts, corporate events and private parties are held here. The state-of-art lighting and acoustics add to the power-packed and enthralling experience.

Jaks Tap, a beer garden with award wining ribs and an easygoing atmosphere is the place most office goers head; to de-stress. A perfect venue for parties and events. Host to the beer tasting event 'Humulus Lupulus' twice a year, it is home to the largest number of beer handles in country. With a menu that has special barbeque's, quesadillas and even apple pie. You can compliment it with one of its specialty; frozen fruit Margaritas. Serving the finest of forty draft beers, it also has seasonal beers. It follows the motto; 'Customer is the king'.

City Pool Hall is one of the most famous billiards places in Chicago. Brunswick Gold Crown IV tables with Mauve carpeting makes for an interesting ambiance. Besides quality billiards, this place also has a dining area with a capacity of thirty and also a bar which can accommodate approximately twelve to thirteen people. An outdoor beer garden also plays host to a couple of indoor games such as darts and pool among others, which attracts a lot of regulars. If not interested in playing then you can be an audience to various league games, that take place here though on fixed days and time.

Don't just dream about the good life-experience it for yourself! Come to Bon V in Chicago and put all of your troubles behind you. Listen to disco, dance or sip on your favorite cocktail. Lounge in the chic atmosphere of this hip bar and forget why you ever had any complaints in your life. No food is served here, so make sure to satiate your tastebuds beforehand.