Surf and turf

Keep your day in the sun going at one of these apres-beach hangouts

By Julia Borcherts

• Email
• Print View
• Share
  • Digg
  • Del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Furl
  • Google
  • Reddit
  • Mixx
  • Mister Wong
  • Yahoo Buzz
  • Yahoo
• Add To Favorites
• Add to playlist

Blue Agave

Life’s a beach when it’s summer in Chicago—and the fun doesn’t have to end when you step off the sand. Grab your towel, slather on the sunscreen and hit the beach; when it’s time to cool down, head for one of these casual post-beach hangouts where no one will look at you funny if you show up in shorts and flip-flops with a little sand in your hair.

Downtown: Oak Street Beach
The beach: This Gold Coast stretch of sand is the place to see and be seen—and you’ll see everything from bikini-clad heiress types to tattooed bike messengers to businessmen in rolled up trousers. The concrete dividers at the edge of the sand are a good place to perch and watch cyclists, joggers, skaters and dog-walkers go by.
Apres beach: There’s no shortage of patios around here, but the brightest is three blocks away at Tex-Mex margarita hotspot The Blue Agave. Cool down with an Iguana-rita (1800 Silver tequila, melon liqueur, triple sec and fresh lime juice, $7.50) and house-made guacamole ($6) while you check out the parade of stylish tourists and colorful neighborhood regulars.

South Side: 63rd Street Beach
The beach: From wetsuited kayakers to shirtless boxers doing sit-ups in the sand, athletes abound at this beach in Jackson Park. Music wafts over from the park during festivals, and there’s free parking at the fieldhouse and across the street.
Apres beach: Keep the seaside vibe going a block south at Marina Cafe, a beautifully renovated former coast guard building overlooking Jackson Harbor and decorated with rich wood paneling and art. There’s a harbor-and-city-view patio on one level; 15-foot doors open directly to the water on another. Hyde Park and Woodlawn residents arrive in pairs and groups for the casual Caribbean-inspired eats, including crab cakes ($10) and key lime pie ($7).

North Side: Kathy Osterman Beach
The beach: The lifeguard chair is the unofficial dividing line at this sprawling, crescent-shaped beach: Families and neighborhood hipsters sun and splash to the north; tanned gay boys in box-cut Speedos compete in volleyball leagues and cruise in the ankle-deep surf down by Hollywood Avenue. The line blurs when it’s busy or when gay families arrive.
Apres beach: Head four blocks west for some shade on the two-tiered terrace at Moody’s Pub, which features three waterfalls, ivy-covered walls and—usually—immediate gratification: There are 57 tables under the trees. You’ll see romantic couples, multi-generational families and even a volleyball team or two as you revive yourself with the signature half-pound Moodyburger ($7.50, $8 with cheese) and an icy stein of draft beer ($2.75-$3.50).

Evanston: Clark Street Beach
The beach: Just north of the city lies a cleaner, quieter beach experience. It’s smoke-free, and the admission price ($5-$7; $30-$54 season pass) keeps the crowds light. Single young professionals, students and families frequent the tidy beach. A dog beach is just south if your pooch wants to hit the water too (season pass only, $50-$100 per dog).
Apres beach: A five-block stroll from Clark Street Beach, Big Ka Hoo Na Hawaiian BBQ is a great place to seek respite from the beating sun. There’s no patio, but the tiki decor and carved wooden pineapples hanging from the ceiling make you feel like you’re still at the beach. Northwestern students and island ex-pats come here for the authentic Hawaiian cuisine and low prices. Try the pineapple pulled pork sandwich ($6) or the miso-grilled tilapia with rice ($7.50).

Summer standbys
North Avenue Beach: Castaways Bar & Grill
Oak Street Beach: Oak Street Beachstro
>> Click here to see a photo gallery of the hot summer fun at both spots.

[ Julia Borcherts is a Metromix special contributor. ]
metromix@tribune.com