Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, Gurnee, 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

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

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

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

WRIGLEYVILLE. Open daily year round, this dive bar draws a mix of locals that's quite diverse. The walls host a...

WRIGLEYVILLE. Open daily year round, this dive bar draws a mix of locals that's quite diverse. The walls host a seemingly random collection of art, mirrors, pictures, and antiques. The origin of the bar's name is fitting for such an establishment. The owner took the name from a book, "The Ginger Man," the story of a man who hitchhikes throughout Europe. The menu includes over 100 bottled beers, and pool tables provide entertainment.

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

Payment Methods: Cash Only

WRIGLEYVILLE. Metro occupies an old theater and features loud local and international talents. Musical styles include...

WRIGLEYVILLE. Metro occupies an old theater and features loud local and international talents. Musical styles include ska, punk, house, hip-hop, rock, and R&B. Limited balcony seating is available, and the main floor's standing-room-only policy can result in an occasional mosh pit. A casual atmosphere suits the staff, who are known for their less than friendly attitude (don't be offended ­ it's part of the ambience). Smashing Pumpkins (along with several other big acts) got their start here. Call ahead for events and show times.

Hours: Box Office Mon Noon-6pm; Tue-Sat Noon-8pm
Event Dates and Times Vary

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

WRIGLEYVILLE. In a town that's baseball crazy, a bar with the name Sluggers fits right in. This sports bar not only...

WRIGLEYVILLE. In a town that's baseball crazy, a bar with the name Sluggers fits right in. This sports bar not only allows patrons to watch a variety of sports on the screen, it also gives them the opportunity to hone their skills on basketball hoops, pitching machines, and a Hi-Ball game. Video games, pool tables, and dart boards also provide amusement options. Drink specials available most nights. Private party rooms available.

Hours: Mon-Thu 3pm-2am; Fri, Sun 11am-2am; Sat 11am-3am

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

LAKE VIEW. After ordering a drink from the large antique bar, grab an elevated booth seat and settle in for good...

LAKE VIEW. After ordering a drink from the large antique bar, grab an elevated booth seat and settle in for good conversation with friends, or enjoy some mindless people-watching. The pub features several signature ales that have created quite a stir among locals, and board games, pinball machines, and pool tables are available for folks looking to while away some time. EL: Belmont

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

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

LAKE VIEW. Crowds pack this gay and lesbian hangout into the wee hours for fabulous cocktails, energetic sing-alongs,...

LAKE VIEW. Crowds pack this gay and lesbian hangout into the wee hours for fabulous cocktails, energetic sing-alongs, and lots of people-watching. It never seems to lose its appeal, and whether you come solely to scope out the other patrons or to meet up with friends instead, you can be assured of a good time and plenty of opportunity for fun.

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

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