Metromix Chicago Bars & Clubs

Religion
Brought to you by the group behind neighboring Latin-themed Club 720 and Lincoln Park sports bar The Spread (see below), this dance club caters to house music lovers with a rotating cast of resident and world-renowned guest DJs. Turntable talent sets up shop in a 15-foot, top-notch DJ booth high above the, uh, worshipping crowd. The third floor walk-up offers ample VIP seating for guests going big with bottle service; two full-service bars are available for the masses. Stained glass windows, black chandeliers, royal purple and gold tones, and 15-foot cathedral-style windows offering a skyline view give a nod to Religion's name. VIP services (sorry, we couldn't help it) are held in the private Altar loft. A grand opening bash with the Martinez Brothers is slated for May 30.

Crossroads
It's not everyday that the local sushi joint transforms into an Irish pub, but that's just what happened here when the Hey Sushi owners turned their venue into a place the Lincoln Park set would supposedly find more appealing--a neighborhood pub decked out in tons of cherry-stained wood. Chow on burgers, salads, wraps and pizza, but no more maki. Find domestic beers, imports such as Guinness, Smithwick's and Fat Tire, plus Crossroads' very own specially brewed house ale, CPH. Sports fans can fix their eyes on nearly a dozen 42-inch plasma TVs. A dart machine, jukebox and Golden Tee keep bargoers entertainend; DJs spin on weekend nights. When you're lucky enough to get the whole gang together, opt for a central seating section with couches and a personal TV suited for groups of eight or more.

Uncle Fatty's Rum Resort
If catchy calypso beats put you in an island frame of mind, then you'll like the schtick behind this Lakeview hang, which opens May 3 as a summer-only operation...unless things take off. Tropical decor--think thatched roofs above the bars, shuffleboard, palm trees and sand--brings this tiki bar to life. A rotating roster of cover bands, DJs and live reggae acts keep the party going--of course, tropical cocktails and frozen drinks help fuel the crowd too.

Angels & Mariachis
Rock out with your taco out later at this rock bar/taco cantina from the Eat Well. Drink Better crew (English, The Grand Central). A mix of flamenco, country, rock en Espanol and, of course, mucho mariachi music fills the air at this rustic, two-story space that’s chock full of Mexican art and artifacts. Find Day of the Dead skeletons and masks, marionettes, religious candles and a bar-scene mural of skeletons in the stairwell in addition to a plethora of mariachis and angels (think colorful winged-creatures, not the sanitized lily-white version). Chow on Tex-Mex border-inspired fare as you sip flavored margaritas, premium tequilas and other specialty cocktails for a real fiesta.

The Pony
The old Gunther Murphy’s has been gutted and transformed into this sleek neighborhood bar set to open at the end of April. The 2,500-square-foot space is decked out in hickory wood, from the floor to the walls to the 38-foot bar lined with bucket barstools. The owners (a team including the guy behind Lotties Pub in Bucktown) know how to cater to your couch potato attitude on game day: comfy leather booths, plenty of flat-screen TVs and a menu of hearty comfort food, including a grilled cheese sandwich that feeds four.?>Watch our Behind the Bar video (see player at right) for a look inside and more details.

Bottom Lounge
Isn't it ironic that the new Bottom Lounge will open under the L tracks when the original Lakeview location was closed in late 2005, and ultimately torn down, to make way for the CTA's Brown Line expansion. Mike Miller (Delilah’s) and the Bottom Lounge’s original owners have teamed up to bring this bar back—and make it bigger and better. The two-floor bar/restaurant/live music venue amps up the concept of the original location on Belmont Avenue in order to create a fun night for all. Early May performances were postponed; stay tuned for more information on the reopening of Bottom Lounge.

Vertigo
Acrophobic alert: This 4,100-square-foot rooftop lounge, which offers indoor and seasonal outdoor seating, is slated to open on the 26th floor of River North's new Dana Hotel and Spa this August. See if you get vertigo when you peer out the wrap-around, floor-to-ceiling windows of this posh lounge, complete with a DJ booth, two bars and three martini "pass-throughs"-- you’ll just see the mystery bartender’s hand positioning your drink on a ledge; the wait staff will take it from there. The 1,000-square-foot outdoor area features sleek, low-slung furniture situated around a central fire pit. Snack on sashimi and maki rolls will sipping specialty cocktails or sake.

C-View
This 29th floor rooftop lounge--slated for an early June opening--is an offshoot of C-House, celebrity chef Marcus Samuelsson’s seafood restaurant set to open in Streeterville’s Affinia Chicago hotel in early May. C-View features indoor seating and a seasonal outdoor deck; both offer great views of the surrounding skyline. A "living wall" of greenery and flowers adds an urban-oasis feel to the luxe outdoor terrace. Look for a pared down version of C-House’s seafood-focused menu and a premium cocktail list, plus wine offerings suitable for pairing with your fish dish.

Bar DeVille
The French-inspired name may translate to "bar of the city," but this corner tavern is all about keeping things local and laid-back. That said, you’ll still find a European influence in the decor: Think rustic French chateau-meets-Chicago dive. Order from the extensive bottled beer selection or ask the bartender to whip up a classic, handcrafted cocktail. Rack ’em up on the pool table, call up a few tunes on the jukebox and settle in. Weekends get amped up a bit as DJs hit the booth in the back room, complete with high-def projector for video mixing and more tricks of the trade. Brought to you by Matt Eisler (Empire Liquors, Victory Liquors), Howard Natinsky (Five Star Bar, Fat Cat) and Kevin Heisner (designer/contractor behind the two Liquors bars), Bar Deville’s the kind of cool little watering hole you can wander into for a fun, no-frills night out.

Loft Six Ten
Combining a beer-and-a-shot attitude with a swanky lounge atmosphere, Loft Six Ten caters to Wicker Park locals with an extensive selection of bottled beer, one draft beer  (Guinness) and a slick bar food menu that incorporates liquor (think tequila chicken and beer-cheese dip). Exposed brick and ductwork, a soaring ceiling and a modern-rustic design scheme speak to the spot's name, while custom ironwork on the railings at the mezzanine level and grand staircase add flair. DJs keep the beats fresh, but overall, Loft Six Ten still aims to be a totally laid back neighborhood hang: no cover, no dress code, no attitude. Video: Get a sneak peek of the space in the latest Behind the Bar video (see video player at right)!

1914
You heard it here first: The team behind Red Ivy is opening up a speakeasy this spring. (Shhh!!!) The fictional backstory for this spot goes like this: It’s the year 1914 and high society is livin’ it up. Then Prohibition puts an end to the fun—or does it? Enter secret drinking establishments known as speakeasies. 1914 brings that clandestine spirit to the unlikely confines of Wrigleyville: You’ll have to walk through Red Ivy and exit to then enter this space. Waitresses don flirty flapper apparel; specialty cocktails such as Chicken Soup Strong (a.k.a. whiskey) are served in soup bowls or tea cups to throw off the brass. Despite the throwbacks, there’ll still be TVs— you’ve gotta check the score on your Cubbies, right?

Dick's Last Resort
The irreverent Streeterville spot—which has been slinging stiff cocktails and stainless steel buckets of ribs to Navy Pier tourist-types and lost locals since 1988—is aiming to close up shop and reopen in River North in summer 2008. Sad to say, this new location won’t have on-the-water alfresco seating, but it will have great Chicago River views from its Marina City perch. Stay tuned for more details: What we do know now is that they’re transplanting some of their trademark tacky "charm" to the new location. Click here to read a related Chicago Tribune story about Dick's Last Resort's new location.

Draft Tavern & Grille
Lakeview residents take note: Mix will close this spring/summer (date to be determined). Then, look for Draft to open in its place after an extensive renovation shifts the focus to the back room. It’s not tough to figure out what this spot’s all about: Not only can you drink draft beer by the pint, but brew will make its way into the food and cocktails (known as tap-tails here) too. Plus, partners Brian Galati (formerly of Suite Lounge) and Mark Kwiatkowski (Bottle Bar and Mix) plan to use a visually unique set up for the tap system and draft lines.

Tiny Lounge
Tiny traditions can be carried on come June: The bar's owners have taken over the Charlie's on Leavitt address in North Center. What made the original Tiny Lounge special--which closed its Addison address in early 2006 due to Brown Line construction--will still be the focus on the new-and-improved lounge, so expect an eclectic music lineup and luxe martini list, including the graham cracker-rimmed Key Lime. And keep an eye out for new twists such as a small plates menu.

Wilde Pug
If Oscar Wilde were alive today, this is what his pub--slated to open this spring--would be like. At least that's what the owners, also behind neighboring gay sports bar Crew, say. Picture the Irish author cozied up by the fireplace or playing a game of pool or darts. Hmm. Now stretch your imagination: Can you see him requesting his favorite club anthem from the VJ and shaking it on the 700-square-foot dance floor? We're not entirely convinced yet, but we do know we're curious to see how owners incorporate photos of the cuddly pups with portraits of the playwright, which is also part of the plan.

Dirty
Dion Antic, the man behind a plethora of late-night hangs (most recently acting as a consultant at Iggy’s3), and the top dog at Rockstar Dogs, is planning to open Dirty, an "interactive" bar in the former Mas addresses. Antic is being tight-lipped about all the details. But we can tell you to look for a small gourmet menu and a big drink list––we’re betting Antic will come-up with some more creative (and filthy) cocktails than the obvious olive juice-amped dirty martini.

The Old Oak Tap
If you feel yourself slipping into a serious case of the winter blues, hold on: The owners of The Continental and Darkroom have partnered to build a new bar on a double-wide lot in West Town—and the front 2,000 square feet of that space will be a beer garden. Shooting for a September opening, The Old Oak Tap is all about bringing the outside in, so look for modern rustic decor that makes use of stone and reclaimed oak, among other natural materials. Partner Chris Ongkiko (The Continental and original Lava on Damen Avenue) tells us chef John Manion will be consulting on the menu, and the bar will be stocked with lots of beer and wine. With the stellar track record of the partners’ other spots, we’re definitely psyched about the music.

Bull & Bear
It's a bar. It's a grill. It's a vantage point. The guys from hot spot Stone Lotus are opening this 5,500-square-foot upscale yet casual sports bar and grill in River North--now slated for a summer opening. This spot will have more than the average viewing capabilities: Keep an eye on your favorite sports team's score, your stocks flashing across the ticker, or the latest stories making news headlines. And of course, it's a prime spot for people watching, especially during summertime when the spacious sidewalk cafe opens on Wells and Hubbard Streets. Bull & Bear will open on the first floor; there are plans to expand to the second floor several months after opening next year. Stay tuned for updates.

Yak-zies Bar and Grill
Fans of this Lakeview spot will soon be able to fill up on Yak-zies famous tangy wings again--hopefully this summer! Owner Joe Spangoli tells us this Yak-zies location closed on Aug. 1, 2007, because when his father passed away, the liquor license died with him. Once the transfer of license is sorted out, Spagnoli plans to spruce up the place and give it a new look. But, he adds, "My goal is to keep family tradition alive." In the meantime, check out the Wrigleyville location on Clark Street.

ONES TO WATCH: COMING (AND GOING) SOON
In case you haven’t heard, the original Goose Island Brewpub is closing Dec. 31, unable to reach a lease renewal agreement with the building’s landlord. “I’m very saddened because this is where I started the business,” said John Hall, Goose Island Beer Co. CEO and founder. “[It’s] where I met many friends; many of the people that started with me have gone on to more responsibility in the company. It’s a sad day.” While Hall said the company has been scouting locations—for what he envisioned would be a third location—for the past couple years, he is not ready to make an announcement on where the brewpub might relocate to. The Wrigleyville location remains unaffected by the closing.

The guys behind Lakeview Broadcasting Company and Empire Liquors are putting their heads together with Fall Out Boy bassist Pete Wentz to open a bar in the River North area this summer. Watch this space!

Look for Spy Bar to reopen in late spring under new management after a $1 million renovation.

Longtime Lincoln Park fixture The Red Lion Pub is closed for extensive renovations. Look for the bar--a favorite with British ex-pats--to reopen in late 2008.

Have you spied a new bar in the works? Did your local watering hole suddenly close its doors? Send us the scoop.

Check out these recent openings and updates:
O’Shaughnessy’s
It may be about a month after St. Patty's Day, but it's never too late to have a pint at a new pub. This just-opened Ravenswood pub, located in the former Zephyr Cafe space, is named after the owner's mother who hails from Tipperary, Ireland. O'Shaughnessy's boasts a bright red and gold facade, with plenty of rich woodwork inside. Expect traditional Emerald Isle eats in addition to a full menu of grill items, plus vegetarian and vegan options. Swill draft and bottled beers plus a variety of whiskeys served at the custom-built bar.

Rebar
Be wowed by views that create a feeling of floating over the Chicago River. East-facing, floor-to-ceiling windows bring in light during the day and showcase an illuminated city at night. Other highlights include a central bar with seating, a marble standing bar, lounge-style seating and a VIP room with a window looking down over the hotel lobby action. Of course, the cocktails are worth a look-see too. The mixology mentality at Rebar is called “liquid kitchen”—drinks made with fresh-squeezed juices and fresh herbs and spices. Shut your eyes and imagine sipping the lavish Dreams—available by the punch bowl ($215) or glass ($17)—made with P.I.N.K. vodka muddled with strawberries and lime, all topped off with rose champagne. Read our INSIDE look at Rebar for more details and photos.

Spirits Lounge
In Fine Spirits quietly opened this full-blown, honest-to-goodness bar next door to its retail shop; this sophisticated Andersonville spot offers mostly the same selections, but in a sit-down environment. The wine list is lengthy, and emphasizes smaller producers, providing wine by the glass, flight and bottle. Pre-Prohibition cocktails like Sidecars get classed-up with small-batch booze like Maison Surrene cognac. Craft brews fiends can down options like Milwaukee's Lakefront Organic Extra Special Bitter.

Potter's
This sophisticated hotel bar and lounge is named for the Palmer House founder, Potter Palmer. Location makes this a prime spot for theater-goers and Loop professionals. Showy, glass-enclosed columns of white feathers flank the bar area, which is a few steps above the main seating area. Playing off Chicago's storied history, the feathers evoke the seductive dances of Sally Rand, the entertainer famous for performing in a nude body suit during the Century of Progress exposition in Chicago in 1933. Oversize black-and-white photos of Chicago influencers such as Hugh Hefner, John Belushi and Walter Payton round out the decor. Look around as you linger over retro libations like the Singapore Sling, Gin Fizz and Kir Royale, or order a round of chichi bar appetizers from Lockwood chef Phillip Foss. Click here to read more on the hotel bar trend.

SkyBar
Get your groove on at this multi-level danceclub, where floor-to-ceiling windows on the top tiers call to mind the spot's name and provide a view of the Lincoln Avenue scene below. Lounge with your crew in banquette seating on the first floor, then head upstairs to the second level and shake it on the dance floor. Belly up to the main bar for a cocktail, or call head and reserve a table on the top floor that overlooks the action below. Skylights open up the space on the third floor, where DJs keep the beat going.

The Joynt
More mature bargoers head to this nearly 7,000-square-foot, two-level lounge. Settle into the upstairs piano bar as musicians tickle the ivories, or head downstairs for a little moving and grooving as DJs spin recognizable hits from Motown and R&B to the '80s and '90s. Sip your martini slowly or pair it with small plate appetizers from the limited menu as you settle into plush, sophisticated surroundings.

The Fifty/50
This slick Ukie Village bar and grill splits its sporty (there are a dozen flat-screen TVs in the space) yet upscale personality across three levels. Dig into hearty comfort food on the top floor, knock back a cold one and chat up the friendly bartenders on the main level or cozy up in the downstairs lounge’s spacious booths. We dig the custom beer cocktail list (see Drink This); the 40-ounce of the week, served in a brown paper bag, will no doubt be a hit too.

Cinners
Cincinnati natives will love this off-the-beaten-path Lincoln Square chili parlor and cocktail lounge, with its retro red-and-black interior. Highlights include cinnamon-cocoa powder-allspice-laced chili concoctions and a drink list peppered with Cincy flavor. (We like the watermelon vodka-spiked Over-the-Rhine, named after the historic ’hood.) TVs set to be installed later this month will be tuned to the Reds and Bengals, natch.

The Spread
Bet on this Spread to cater to Lincoln Park sports fans with more than 20 plasma TVs and a shuffleboard table. Exposed brick walls, ample seating and storefront windows that open onto the sidewalk cafe create a relaxed neighborhood bar vibe. A dressed up bar food menu keeps with the sporty theme: Start with On the Green (salads) and stick around for sweet Overtime (desserts). Oh, and say hello to the resident "crazy eel" that makes a home in the 75-gallon salt water fish tank, and keep an eye out for more sea creatures to be added.

And still more relatively recent openings ...
• Twisted Spoke
• Paddy O'Splaines
• Cork Lounge
• Harry Caray's Tavern
• Rebel Bar & Grill
• Bad Dog Tavern
• The Purple Otter
• Aberdeen
• Cityscape Bar
• Par Lounge

[ Karen Budell is the metromix nightlife producer. Additional reporting by special contributor Terri Mooney. Updated May 8, 2008. ]