Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Elgin, IL

NORTHBROOK. Nothing too fancy or pretentious about Charlie's. It's got a limited menu that's been working for years. In...

NORTHBROOK. Nothing too fancy or pretentious about Charlie's. It's got a limited menu that's been working for years. In fact, it's got only 12 items, and all twelve are top-notch! The menu includes roast beef, grilled cheese, tuna salad, burgers, chili, and bbq. Add a drink from the bar, and you'll be good to go. The policies are pretty basic: no menu prices, no reservations, and no credit cards. The basic interior of wood paneling mirrors the no frills attitude here.

Hours: Tue-Sat 11:30am-10:45pm

Payment Methods: Cash Only

EVANSTON. Decorated like a '30s or '40s-era supper club, this jazzy restaurant and bar is known as much for its...

EVANSTON. Decorated like a '30s or '40s-era supper club, this jazzy restaurant and bar is known as much for its deliciously fresh seafood and 18-oz. marinated ribeyes as for its cozy, post-workday environs. Indeed, suits flock here after the last whistle to enjoy a favorite cigar, brew, or potent cocktail, and live jazz and billiards in the evenings only enhance the cool, speakeasy-style experience. Diners, meanwhile, are regaled by beef Wellington, Kansas City strips, and daunting porterhouses. Dinner reservations are strongly suggested.

Hours: Sun-Mon 4:30pm-Midnight; Tue-Sat 4:30pm-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ROSCOE VILLAGE. Situated in Roscoe Village, this bar offers a great selection of draught beer and micro brews....

ROSCOE VILLAGE. Situated in Roscoe Village, this bar offers a great selection of draught beer and micro brews. Reasonable special prices on pints and pitchers make the selection that much more appealing. Domestic and import beers on the menu. Hungry? Soups, salads, sandwiches, burgers, and appetizers available. A heated beer garden makes the perfect drinking or dining spot.

Hours: Mon-Thu 5pm-2am; Fri 3pm-2am; Sat Noon-3am; Sun Noon-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

LAKE VIEW. 199 bottles of beer on the wall...and 30 drafts, too. How do you choose? Just ask one of the well-versed...

LAKE VIEW. 199 bottles of beer on the wall...and 30 drafts, too. How do you choose? Just ask one of the well-versed waitstaff, who can also recommend an entree to pair perfectly with your brew of choice. A somewhat small front room doesn't discourage locals and visitors from crowding in, but the spacious backroom invites lingering and enjoying above-average food offerings that boast Belgian flair, like moules frites and stewed rabbit legs.

Hours: Sun-Fri Noon-2am; Sat Noon-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WEST SIDE. DJs keep things happening at this Bucktown bar. Expect to hear anything from reggae and funk to techno and...

WEST SIDE. DJs keep things happening at this Bucktown bar. Expect to hear anything from reggae and funk to techno and soul. The setting for the place is an old house that's been transformed (sort of) into a laid-back bar. Danny's usually gets crowded and livelier as the night wears on. Attending on a Monday night? Once in a while, you'll find artists performing computer-generated music.

Hours: Sun-Fri 7pm-2am, Sat 7pm-3am

Payment Methods: Cash Only

LAKE VIEW. A pressed tin ceiling and cozy booths lining one wall are just a few of the details that help Cullen's...

LAKE VIEW. A pressed tin ceiling and cozy booths lining one wall are just a few of the details that help Cullen's distinguish itself from Chicago's glut of Irish bars and restaurants. Folks come here to grab a bite to eat or simply to knock back a couple of pints. Shepherd's pie, burgers, and mac and cheese represent the edible offerings, while a decent selection of beer and spirits satisfies most merry-makers. Come on a weekend morning for a traditional Irish fry-up, or on Sunday night for energetic live Irish music.

Hours: Sun-Fri 11am-2am; Sat 11am-3am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WEST SIDE. Lemmings is known for its friendly welcome to anyone who steps across its threshold. Helping out the cause,...

WEST SIDE. Lemmings is known for its friendly welcome to anyone who steps across its threshold. Helping out the cause, the bar offers about 40 different beers, and entertainment can be had via video games, pinball machines, a pool table, and a large collection of all your favorite board games. Movie and video screenings are held occasionally, and drink specials are posted on the wall.

Hours: Mon-Fri 4pm-2am; Sat Noon-3am; Sun Noon-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

WEST SIDE. This bar offers not only above-average pub eats but a well-stocked bar with great microbrews, wines by the...

WEST SIDE. This bar offers not only above-average pub eats but a well-stocked bar with great microbrews, wines by the bottle and glass, and a lengthy list of martinis (try the infamous smore'tini!). Other martinis include the summer fling (Absolut mandarin, champagne, and pineapple liqueur) and the white chocolate (Godiva white and Stoli vanil). The interior features red leather booths, fringed lamps, and glass-block windows.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2am; Sat 10am-3am; Sun 10am-1am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BUCKTOWN. For a nostalgic experience with the requisite hint of trendiness, Cans is the place to go. While canned beer...

BUCKTOWN. For a nostalgic experience with the requisite hint of trendiness, Cans is the place to go. While canned beer ­ 27 varieties ­ is definitely the specialty, bottles and cocktails can also be had. Grab a seat at one of the two bars, or sink into delightfully deep booths; thanks to waitstaff bearing Palm Pilots, your suds will be in front of you in no time. Continuing the low-key vibe, arcade games like Ms. Pac-Man, Centipede, and Tetris stand ready to challenge your skills. Alternatively, sit back and enjoy old-school flicks like "Sixteen Candles" on plasma screen TVs.

Hours: Mon-Fri 5pm-2am; Sat 5pm-3am; Sun 3pm-2am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

BUCKTOWN. Located in Bucktown, Estelle's draws a group that's ready to rock the night away to the sounds of traditional...

BUCKTOWN. Located in Bucktown, Estelle's draws a group that's ready to rock the night away to the sounds of traditional rock and roll. The bar at this neighborhood joint offers three rotating, on-tap brands and a number of bottled varieties. The kitchen is open late and serves up some pretty tasty bar eats ­ burgers, sandwiches, pizzas.

Hours: Sun-Fri 7pm-4am; Sat 7pm-5am

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club