Your buddy’s about to get hitched, which means it’s time for one last hurrah before he strolls down the aisle—after all, you might not see him for awhile after that. Don’t screw it all up by getting a stripper. (The bride will find out and she won’t be happy.) We’ve got more honorable options for guys of all sorts, including one budget-minded itinerary that’s sure to put your crisp dollar bills to better use.
CLASSY
Clasp your cuff links and start the night with a sophisticated cocktail hour at The Drawing Room, where master bartenders will help you get that refined buzz a true gentleman seeks. Start with an apropos toast to the wedding night: Between the Sheets ($14), a stiff drink blending Hennessy VS, Cointreau, Bacardi and lemon.
When hunger strikes, head to The James Club, inside The James Hotel. The sleek suite, complete with TVs and a pool table, sits just above David Burke’s Primehouse, and you’ll have access to all that the restaurant offers. A plated dinner includes an appetizer, entree and desert ($88 per person), or you can slice into a 14-ounce New York Sirloin ($15 add-on) or opt for an in-suite carving station ($150). $500 room rate; food and beverage packages additional. Book in advance.
Cap off the evening at Rockwell Lounge, where DJs spin a soundtrack of rock and Top 40. Order up table service at the secluded front booth and toast the groom with a bottle of Johnny Walker Blue Label ($500), while the unattached groomsmen take in the sexy, uh, scenery.
ADVENTUROUS
If getting married is "taking the plunge," practice by taking a leap with Skydive Chicago. Tandem jumps start 14,000 feet up before a 60-second freefall and five minutes under the canopy as you take in views of the Fox and Illinois Rivers. Reservations recommended. One tandem jump costs $199; rates decrease based on party size. For parties of 10 or more, busses will bring you to and from the city free of charge.
Dart back to the city so you can bask in the sun with a celebratory stogie on the spacious roof deck at Citizen Bar. Slug back brews and scarf down burgers and other eats from the eclectic Italian menu. For an adult twist on a childhood fave, cool off with Citizen’s new Maker’s Mark and Coke slushee ($9 for a 10-ounce drink; available starting May 3).
Slowing down is the kiss of death, so keep the party going at late-night lounge Rednofive, where VIP bottle service in a secluded booth averages $260 a bottle. Don’t miss the go-go girls go-go-going on stage as the DJ spins—and be sure to get the groom dancing: It’s his last chance to act the fool, because you know the bride won’t let him bust out those moves at the reception. Call ahead for table reservations.
BUDGET
Sports. Beer. Grub. WhirlyBall has it all under one roof, so round up the troops for a whack at this high energy sport combining bumper cars and lacrosse. The more, the merrier—it keeps the cost down ($200 per court, per hour Friday to Sunday and holidays.) Between matches, talk smack as you play video games and foosball, or watch the pros play on the big-screen TVs. Groups of 20 or more can purchase packages of one hour court time, plus food and drink options ($30.95 - $49.95 per person).
Bring nine of the groom’s best guys to Plan B Bar + Kitchen, where a $25 package (per person) gets you all the draft beer, house wine and well drinks a guy can stand for three hours. Soak it up with an order of chicken wings ($7) or the massive Block Burger, topped with a fried brick of mozzarella ($9). The DJ spins classic rock and hip-hop, and there’s even a tongue-in-cheek stripper pole that may get a little attention once the crowd loosens up.
Before you call it quits, stumble into Wicker Park late-night fave, Nick’s Beer Garden. A pool table, and Golden Tee and Bags video games keep the guys entertained if they’re not into the live jazz and blues acts playing Friday and Saturday nights. If you’re rolling 45 deep, rent out the back beer garden with drink packages ranging from $20 to $35. Smaller groups can keep it simple with PBR pints ($3.25). At these prices, you should have a few bucks left to bail the groom out of trouble, if need be.
[ David Himmel is a Metromix special contributor. ]
metromix@tribune.com
