New bars in the 'burbs
Looking for a new watering hole? Check out these recently opened suburban bars
August 19, 2008
Lombard Ale House
455 E. Butterfield Rd. - LombardWhile the plaque-mounted fish and reels show off the Floridian origins of the first Chicagoland Ale House location, the spot also embraces the city's obsession with sports.
Flip Flops Tiki Bar & Grill
1022 Fountain View Drive - Carol StreamBringing an islands vibe to the suburbs, Flip Flops features an actual tiki bar and two tropics-themed murals.
Durbin's Restaurant and Lounge
14753 S. Cicero Ave. - MidlothianIn addition to the popular pizza and ribs, the Midlothian location of Durbin's offers steak and fresh seafood with daily specials.
Heat Nightclub
616 E. Golf Road - SchaumburgRecently relaunchedby the owners of popular downtown hangouts such as Goodbar and Cortland's Garage, this Schaumburg hang is worth another look. Expect to see the kitschy Polynesian theme significantly toned down -- goodbye tiki masks and waterfalls; drummers have been replaced with DJs -- and the classy quotient amped up, with new floors, furniture and a brand spanking new sound system.
CrossTown Pub & Grill
909 E. Ogden Ave. - NapervilleSince new ownership took over the former George's Place location, CrossTown Pub & Grill has become a haven for video game players who like to show off their skills.
Velvet Rope
728 Lake St. - Oak ParkNow open in the former Oak Park Abbey address, Velvet Rope boasts a swanky lounge vibe, a snazzy cocktail menu and entertainment focused on serving the needs of the local gay community.
D'TOX Bar and Ultra Lounge
2305 St. Charles Rd. - BellwoodThanks to out-of-control celebs, we think of detox as removing ourselves from the party -- but at this bar, it's about escaping from the daily grind. Enter this upscale suburban lounge and get hit with a downtown, elegant atmosphere, high energy and non-stop music. This space was the first African-American owned and operated nightclub in the western suburbs in 1978, and through it's had various incarnations over the years, D'TOX opened in November 2007 with three bars, VIP areas and 12 flat screen TVs. DJs spin R & B, stepping, hip hop and house in two separate rooms every night of the week. The crowd tends toward over 25.
Serenity Lounge
334 Georgetown Square - Wood DaleThis upscale lounge boasts reservable VIP booths and DJs spinning beats Thursday through Saturday. Flair bartenders shake things up on Wednesday nights, while karaoke takes center stage on Tuesdays.
Bridie McKenna's
254 Green Bay Road - HighwoodBridie McKenna's menu matches traditional Irish classics with eclectic American dishes to provide ample variety.
Intimo Martini Lounge
7068 W. 183rd St. - Tinley ParkSince opening in April 2008, Intimo Martini Lounge has been providing an alternative to the typical night out at the neighborhood sports bar by bringing a downtown feel to Tinley Park.
Koz's on the River
8114 W. Ogden Ave. - LyonsSince opening in November 2007, Koz's on the River has been attracting locals looking for a clubby vibe closer to home.
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