Happy Hour International

Chow
<b> Opening at end of 2011 </b><br><br>The former owner and chef of Claude?s in Woollahra Chui Lee Luk will open Chow in Sydney?s highly coveted 2010 postcode. Luk?s Chinese restaurant will take a more relaxed approach to dining, offering accessible, everyday eats. Luk and business partner Phillip Haw are both of Hakka ancestry and plan to include a few Hakka dishes on the menu. <br>

The Point Restaurant at Soldiers Point
Soldier on to the marina at Soldiers Point and take a seat at The Point Restaurant Overlooking the seemingly endless kilometres of untouched scenic bliss in the hinterland of Port Stephen?s Soldiers Point is The Point Restaurant. The focus of the menu is, unsurprisingly, fresh seafood platters and unique seafood meals served alongside a refreshing array of specialty beverages. It doesn?t get much closer to waterside dining than this. <br>

Halloween at Jack’s Bar and Grill
Compete in a “best dressed duo” costume contest for the chance to win a $200 gift certificate at a bash including an open bar and a buffet.

Where to Watch the White Sox

If you’ve never visited Sox country, you need to know one thing: It ain’t like Wrigleyville. The bars land more than a pop-fly distance from the Cell; you can actually park your car outside the stadium; and the shine of the World Series trophy has just started to fade (to be replaced by another one this year?). Whatever happens, it won’t keep Sox fans from their favorite pre- and post-game watering holes. Win or lose, we’ll get you good ‘n’ sauced while cheering on the “good guys.”

Do you bleed Cubby blue? Check out these bars instead.

Schaller’s Pump
This legendary Bridgeport bar, with many Chicago mayors practically making it a second City Hall, steeps with political history. Like a century-old campaign promise (Schaller’s has been open since 1881), they’ll serve you cheap beer and chow with cheer. The building screams serious Sox territory: A huge mural decorates one side, proclaiming “Welcome White Sox Fans” to the rallying crowds of diehards that pack the place during every game. Inside, nary a mention of the local National League team is uttered, so order a plate of corned beef hash and bask in the revelry of your fellow fan.

Cork & Kerry
We couldn’t spew a discussion of Sox bars without mentioning an Irish pub. This Irish-to-the-core Beverly bar hides pure black-and-white baseball beneath its green veneer. And even though you’ll have to trek a fair distance from the park, its promise of a warm, wood-paneled interior, beautiful beer garden and TVs broadcasting the Sox makes it worth the haul. For your trouble, you’ll score $7.50 buckets of five domestic beers on Tuesday and Sunday, draft beers like Guinness, Harp, Bass and Smithwicks and access to one of the area’s largest selections of Irish whiskey. If you need another reason to go, we strongly suggest you reconsider your affiliation. Shinnick’s
Another old-school Bridgeport boozer, Shinnick’s takes fanaticism so far it posts a White Sox tribute on its website. If you want to view clips of the stadium opener or a three-minute film covering the tavern’s World Series insanity, shinnicks.com covers it. Alas, if you want a drink, you’ll have to stop by in person. Family-run for three generations, the pub’s solid offerings include barbecue eats and baggo (AKA beanbags, cornhole or whatever you want to call it). Bottles cost $2.50, and don’t expect fancy-pants specials or quality brews. With liquor setting you back no more than $4, what else could you need? Perhaps, some change for the jukebox. We’re willing to bet it stocks Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin.”

Seven Ten Lounge
This Lincoln Park bowling outpost hints at being a tried-and-true Sox bar in its description of upcoming events: “During all the White Sox Games and St. Louis Cardinal games, we show all games at all times on the MLB package!” Notice the gaping hole of coverage where the Cubs should be. Rolling strikes while the struggling Sox try to find the strike zone couldn’t be more fun, plus $3 Coors Light and $1 hot dogs and chili dogs during the games will keep you sated. In the off-chance you see a Cubs game playing, track down the interloper who requested it; despite its North Side locale, Seven Ten makes it clear that Cubby blue sits firmly in the minority here.

Shoeless Joe’s
Legendary Black Sox Joe Jackson can’t get into the Hall of Fame after all these years, but at least you can hoist a drink at his namesake bar. It’s not a Sox bar, per se, but the owner bleeds black and white, so that’s good enough for us. Sure, it sponsors trips to Wrigley and the Cell, and wines by the glass top the drink list rather than brewskies, but we must recognize that not all baseball fans are so segregationist in their sports leanings. Some fans can appreciate fine vintages and teams from both sides of town.

Ricobene’s
You can work up an appetite watching all this Sox action. Head to a secluded spot right next to the highway (you actually park under the Dan Ryan) for the famous breaded steak sandwich, a meal in itself. If it takes you awhile to finish (and to clean up the red sauce on your fingers), don’t worry; the game will be on any of several TVs scattered around the dining room.

Catcher’s Inn
Everywhere you look in this small neighborhood bar you’ll find reminders of its proximity to U.S. Cellular Field (it’s about four blocks away); from the mini pennants and posted schedules to the black and white checkered ceilings, you’re sure to feel at home here if you root for the Sox. Daily beer specials abound, and there’s the occasional open mic night in case you get the urge to belt out some Journey after a win.

Cobblestones Bar and Grill
Serving a typically older crowd of Sox fans since 1990, Cobblestones brings some New Orleans charm to the South Side via its muffaletta sandwiches, served in a classic bar outfitted in plenty of dark wood. If you’re tired of battling traffic, make the bar a part of your game-day experience; come in for a meal or drink before the game and you can park in the adjoining lot (just a short walk to the ballpark) for free.

Kroll’s South Loop
The Chicago version of this Green Bay institution (the original is located directly across the street from Lambeau Field) smartly steers away from football. And even though both baseball teams are represented with memorabilia, it’s clear from the crowd that the Sox are the main draw. During game time, you’ll be able to watch Mark Buehrle and others on the more than 20 flat screens lining the place. Any other time, you might see them in the flesh, enjoying Kroll’s burgers and beers. On Opening Day, the bar offers $12 buckets of MGD, MGD 64 and Miller Lite; if you’re going to the game, bring your ticket stub in for 10 percent off your tab.

More Opening Day deals: Mitchell’s Tap
This small neighborhood bar hosts its annual barbecue at 11 a.m.; grab brats, burgers and more in the backyard before watching the game inside.

Buffalo Wings & Rings (Bridgeport)
WBBM-670 The Score will be broadcasting live from this wingery between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.; if you’ve got tickets to the game, you can grab a $4 shuttle to the park at 11:30 a.m.

Morgan’s Bar and Grill on Maxwell Street
Be one of the first 50 patrons at this confusingly named bar and you’ll get a free shuttle ride over to the stadium – or you can just stay and enjoy $12 buckets of Miller Lite and $5 Bacardi cocktails.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

XEX
Leafy Ginza is home to the hippest most romantic jazz bar in the Orient. Pronounced Zecks, it’s an ultra-modern space, with a baby grand and majestic floor-to ceiling-windows in its main room; and an extraordinary terrace with reflecting pool, lanterns and mini-waterfall beyond. The dusty tones and sleek low-slung furnishings and cushions resemble a Schrager design hotel in a desert, although you’…

Chilling in Tokyo – Patisserie Potager: Naka-Meguro
If you love dessert but also love vegetables, this unique pastry shop is the place for you. Sample tempting creations like avocado cheesecake, buckwheat chai mousse, arugula jelly with black-sesame and soy-milk mousse, and daikon and yuzu mousse wrapped in chocolate. There’s a twenty-seat open-air terrace cafe in front of the shop where you can relax with a cup of tea or coffee along with your vegetable-based sweets.

Recipe – Satsuma-age (deep-fried fish cakes)
1. On a paper-lined sheet pan, lightly salt the mackerel fillets, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours….

An Evening with Alan Titchmarsh (31st Oct 11)
Behind the scenes with the award-winning broadcaster with his favourite stories, poetries and prose. Enjoy an exclusive, informative and above all amusing evening with TV?s most popular gardening b…

UCL Bite-Sized Lunchtime Lecture: Oil transport and low-impact housing (21st Oct 11)
Join us each Friday lunchtime for UCL?s Bite-Sized Lunchtime Lectures. It?s a great way to find out what UCL?s researchers are getting up to, while you eat your lunch! This week, chemical engineer…

Halloween @ Deep Space
This space trek’s seven-year mission takes a pause for Scary Pumpkin Day.

SBTRKT
Pure electronica here from UK DJ Aaron Jerome (AKA SBTRKT)everything you hear (aside from human voices) is of non-organic origin. Tinny drum beats lightly stream under undulating warped flows and filler beeps. Any emotion here is born of the various vocalists featured, so expect some soulful and…

DJ Pauly D: Attack Of The Zombie Guidettes
AYYY Boo or somethin?, I?m like DJing ?dis Halloween pauwty ova here!

Webster Hell 2011
The sickest, freakiest, biggest and downright disturbing-est costumes you have ever seen will be making the rounds.

NIHON Whisky (and Wine) BAR

BaGG

The Tea Room Gunners Barracks – The Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks offers traditional afternoon tea, a la carte…
The Tea Room Gunners’ Barracks offers traditional afternoon tea, a la carte lunch, private events and wedding receptions. Renowned for beautiful venues in historic locations, this is a world class dining experience.

Glass Brasserie and Wine Bar – WORKING LUNCH. Even if you are having a busy day, make time for lunch and j…
WORKING LUNCH. Even if you are having a busy day, make time for lunch and join us in glass wine bar for a Wagyu Beef Burger and a glass of Luke Mangan Signature wine. Only $20 per person Available 12-2pm, Monday to Friday

360 Bar & Dining – Celebrate NEW YEARS’ EVE from the top of Sydney Tower! Join the party at 36…
Celebrate NEW YEARS’ EVE from the top of Sydney Tower! Join the party at 360 Bar & Dining and welcome the New Year with live music, dancing and uninterrupted 360-degree views over Sydney Harbour and beyond. Reservations 8223 3883

Robbed in Panama City! And It Ain´t Pretty…

Two nights ago I was robbed by a group of women in Panama City. Yup, pretty damn embarrassing. The effects have been far more devastating than I ever thought they could be.

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Robbed in Panama City! And It Ain´t Pretty… is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Two nights ago I was robbed by a group of women in Panama City. Yup, pretty damn embarrassing. The effects have been far more devastating than I ever thought they could be.

A year ago when I was planning this trip, before I sold everything I owned to start traveling long-term, my good friend, mentor, and experienced traveler Ferenc Ecseki posed a question to me:

“Before you leave, ask yourself, are you prepared to lose everything? Because there is a good possibility it could happen”.

I told him I was prepared. Now I´m starting to think I answered a little to quickly…

A Chain-Reaction of Mistakes

Last week I spent 5 days exploring the remote villages & jungles of Panama´s notorious Darien Gap with my friend Gabriel from Brazil. We both shot a lot of photos & video from our challenging and eye-opening experience there.

On Friday night, we decided to meet again at a Cuban bar in the Casco Viejo area of Panama City to share our footage with each other.

I brought my laptop computer along with me for this purpose. Mistake #1.

As we were finishing up, the bar/restaurant got really busy as a large group of locals & expats started celebrating someone´s birthday. The festive live Cuban music in combination with a venue packed full of beautiful dancing women enticed us to stay and have a couple drinks before we left. Mistake #2.

Like I always do, I strapped my day-pack to my chair so no one could just grab it and run off. My laptop was inside. Unfortunately, the reusable zip-ties I normally employ to secure the zippers of my pack had been left at the apartment I was Couchsurfing at. Mistake #3.

Eventually a group of local girls came in. We watched them scan the bar, pause and whisper to each other when they saw us, and proceed to take seats next to us. Based on their actions and dress, we assumed they were prostitutes looking to conduct some business with a couple of foriegn tourists. We were their targets.

Gabriel and I were slightly amused at the situation, but didn´t think much of it, and continued on with our deep conversation about what we had experienced in the Darien. Mistake #4.

Maybe an hour or so later I suddenly noticed that the girls were gone. I didn´t see them leave. We assumed they gave up on trying to get our attention and went searching for new targets. I didn´t think to check my bag. Mistake #5.

After we finally left the bar, I noticed that my day pack felt a bit light. Upon closer inspection, my heart sank…

My Life Was on That Computer!

For those of you who don´t know, 100% of my income comes from working with my computer. I make a little money from this travel blog, but the majority of it comes from building websites that sell information products (aka eBooks).

I use very specialized software programs to create graphics, process photos & video, and build websites. That´s how I earn a living, and I do it all from my computer.

Luckily I have backups for most of my information. My travel photos and videos have been saved from disaster. But there is a problem.

Lately the company I buy advertising from, Google AdWords, has made some changes which have effected my business in a very negative way. I´ve been forced to completely update all my websites, or risk my whole business going under.

Without my own computer, I´m effectively unable to make those updates now, and it´s a time-sensitive situation. There were also some important files on my computer that were NOT backed up yet, and I´m going to have to work twice as hard to get everything up to date again. Mistake #6.

Recovery Not Looking Good…

Planning ahead, I installed tracking software called Prey on my laptop, just for this type of situation. But to track it, the computer must be turned on and near a WiFi location.

After 2 days, I´ve received zero reports from the tracking software. The thieves may have been smart enough to keep the computer turned off, and they possibly could have just replaced or reformatted the hard-drive.

It´s not looking good that I´ll recover my computer this way. The Panamanian police can´t do much about the situation either.

And to top it all off, my travel insurance was not up to date. My policy expired not too long ago, and I was in the proccess of conducting research to locate a new provider when all of this happened. Mistake #7.

Living on $30 a Day

A lot of people who read my website assume I must be independently wealthy to travel constantly like this. That´s definitely not the case.

After almost a year living on the road (next week was going to be my 1 Year Travelversary), my savings are running low. It will take a month or two of hard work to resurect my business, and it´s going to be pretty difficult (if not impossible) to accomplish it without a computer and the specialized software I need.

While I´m embarrassed to say it, this perfect storm of disasters will force me to postpone my travels until I can put all the pieces back together.

How You Can Help

I hate asking for help.

But for those who want to, I´ve reluctantly decided to present a few simple ways you can help me get this blog going again as fast as possible:

Purchase a Fine Art Print

Many of my travel photos are available to purchase as fine art prints. My image galleries contain unique landscapes, historic buildings, funny animals, and interesting people from throughout Central America.

If you or someone you know could use some new artwork in a home or apartment, or if you´re looking for a great gift idea, consider purchasing one of my photography prints.

I´ve created a special gallery of my personal favorite images here, but feel free to browse through my entire travel photo gallery here.

Click Here to Buy a Print

Any sales will go directly towards the purchase of a new computer so I´ll be able to continue producing this travel blog. In the rare case that I exceed that amount, or if the police miraculously happen to recover my computer a few weeks from now, all money will go directly towards my Local Charity Projects.

Not to mention you´ll get something special to hang on your wall.

A few of you have asked how to send donations without buying a print. You can click here to send one via PayPal using my email address: matt@expertvagabond.com Thank you so much!

Share This Blog Post

Maybe you don´t need any photo prints, maybe you can´t afford them, or maybe you don´t think I deserve any help because I´ve been careless & irresponsible. In all 3 cases, I completely understand.

But if you´re on Facebook, Twitter, or Google+, I would be forever in your debt if you´d at least share this post with your friends.

If nothing else, it´s a great example of what NOT to do. Hopefully my story will help other people avoid these same mistakes…

Please share this post using the Social Media buttons on the left.

Thanks

The whole ordeal has been just another learning experience for me, among the many I´ve had on this journey thus far. I´m a strong believer that all experiences, good and bad, end up being positive in the long run. I´m not going to let this setback stop me from my goals.

“A man’s errors are his portals of discovery.” ~ James Joyce ?

I´ve since been made aware that what happened to me was not technically “robbery” but theft. Those 3 sneaky prostitutes never threatened me with any physical harm.

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Robbed in Panama City! And It Ain´t Pretty… is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

What Does a Timber Tiger Taste Like?

Timber Tigers are dangerous animals living in the forests of New Hampshire. I jumped at the chance to slay & eat this wicked beast.

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What Does a Timber Tiger Taste Like? is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

I really don’t enjoy killing animals. But I do enjoy eating them. So when I had an opportunity to go hunting for the dangerous Timber Tiger in the forests of New Hampshire, I jumped at the chance to slay & eat this wicked beast.

Timber Tigers have become an uncontrollable epidemic in wooded areas throughout the United States. They breed and multiply in great numbers until no animal is safe from their wrath.

They’re an army of killers bent on destroying cute and defenseless birds, frogs, and mice.

Moving stealthily through the forest, they devour babies when parents are away from the nest. Timber Tigers are drug addicts too. Consuming large quantities of psychedelic mushrooms all day, they numb their minds to the unspeakable crimes they commit against the animal kingdom.

The Hunt Begins

I wasn’t sure if I could destroy this monster on my own, so I enlisted the help of a reliable friend. Patrick and I armed ourselves well, said goodbye to our families, and ventured into the deep, dark, foreboding woods.

There were no guarantees we’d come out alive.

Immediately we discovered signs that a Timber Tiger was near. Tracking it through the wet leaves, we eventually found it’s hidden lair of doom.

Preparing ourselves mentally for the battle about to be waged, we hid in the brush and released the safeties on our weapons…

Attack!

The Timber Tiger had been waiting for us. It was no fool. Lunging from the treetops, it surprised us with an attack from the air!

It’s clever ambush caught us off guard and we were forced to defend ourselves from the monster or risk certain death.

A lucky shot felled the beast before it could rip us limb from limb.

Our impossible quest was over. The leviathan was slain. Now it was time to feast.

How to Cook a Chipmunk

The first step to enjoying fresh Timber Tiger meat is to skin, gut, and butcher the evil creature. You’re left with 2 back legs and a sirloin.

After washing the meat well, you now place it in a bowl of cold water mixed with a tablespoon of canning salt. This you let sit in the fridge for 24 hours.

The salt removes any remaining blood, getting rid of a possible gamey taste.

Pour some good oil into a frying pan on medium heat and mix in half a clove of diced garlic to simmer for 5 minutes. Add your cuts of Timber Tiger, and spice the whole concoction with a healthy dose of freshly ground pepper.

Cook for 10 minutes.

Yummy!

You’re left with succulent, tasty morsels of meat, much like miniature chicken legs, that pair well with a case of cheap beer.

People will come from miles around to celebrate your victory over this demon of the forest, so be prepared for a party. The mayor may even declare a new holiday in your honor.

Ensure you have enough meat to share with friends, because everyone in the village will want to try a bite of your delicious Timber Tiger.

Buen Provecho!

Naturally hunting & eating furry woodland creatures might offend some people. If you decide to comment below, please share your opinions in a logical, professional way. Critical is fine, but if you’re rude, I’ll delete your stuff.

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What Does a Timber Tiger Taste Like? is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Chicken Bus Accident [PHOTO]

When the wheels on the bus fall off.

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Chicken Bus Accident [PHOTO] is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Can you see this image hanging on your wall?Buy a Print

Traffic was held up for hours after this public bus tipped over outside the town of Masaya, Nicaragua. Accidents like this are a common occurrence for these “chicken buses” throughout Central America. Owners don’t always spend the money to maintain the veteran US school buses on a regular basis. The whole rear axle & back wheels of this particular bus completely fell off! Luckily no one was seriously hurt.

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Chicken Bus Accident [PHOTO] is a post from: The Expert Vagabond | Around The World Adventure Travel Blog

Rooftop Revelry

When the weather gets nice in this city, you’d better enjoy it. What better way than to get high…at one of Chicago’s rooftop bars. Check out these watering holes where the breeze is free and the brew comes with a view.

Roof
The Wit Hotel features a number of restaurants, bars and attractions, but none of them garners the attention nor the crowds that this 27th-floor indoor/outdoor lounge does. You’ll pay for the views (of both the city and the good-looking crowd), as drinks cost $8-$12 and food is more than at your average pub, but you can’t top the scene.

C-View
As if the killer view from the top of the Affinia Chicago hotel weren’t enough, this 29th-floor lounge has upped the ante with a brand-new list of luxury cocktails, including the Shake Rattle and Hum (featuring master mixologist Adam Seger’s Hum botanical spirit along with Bacardi rum, lime juice and simple syrup) and Back Porch Punch (Southern Comfort, Grand Marnier, lemon juice, sweet tea). When hunger hits, head downstairs to the C-House restaurant, owned by famed chef Marcus Samuelsson.

Epic
The newly opened rooftop at the already massive (14,000 square feet) River North spot, dubbed Epic Sky, offers lounge seating, two private cabanas and a 28-foot long bar serving up signature cocktails, wine and beer. Expect a food menu coming soon.

Vertigo
This sky-high, indoor/outdoor watering hole atop the Dana Hotel and Spa offers strong cocktails, breathtaking views of the city and waitresses in skin-tight catsuits. Combine that with the ultra-chic d?cor and a DJ spinning everything hip in rock, funk, pop and electronic, and you?ve got the perfect meeting place for young business professionals (the co-ed bathroom could be a good place to break the ice. Don’t miss out on the gourmet food options from the downstairs restaurant, aja, and be prepared to spend: drinks cost $9-$12.

Market Bar and Restaurant
Professional hockey and baseball players may not all be beautiful, but they and their paychecks can certainly hang with a sultry crowd. This snazzy restaurant and lounge is partly owned by White Sox General Manager Kenny Williams, and the place is popular with Chicago sports stars (some live down the street) ? as well as sexy clientele sporting mascara, pearl necklaces, silicone cleavage and pressed suits. The newly remodeled rooftop deck, open daily from 2 p.m.-midnight, features eight private cabanas, a walk-up bar, flat-screen TVs and a small-plates menu including spring rolls, a cheese plate and a tuna tartare trio (available 5-10 p.m.; dishes range from $10-$13).

Plymouth Restaurant and Bar
This three-story establishment has dining and drinking options on all levels, but the rooftop deck is the real draw. The view isn’t as spectacular as the loftier spaces (unless, of course, you’re looking at the mural of Chicago celebrities on one wall), but it’ll get the job done. Tip: On an extra-hot day, make sure to grab a spot near the edge of the rooftop; every once in a while, the bar will turn on the misters and give you a nice, refreshing shot of cool moisture.

Citizen Bar
Don’t bother bringing your passport; everyone can claim citizenship at this River North bar, though the outdoor patios will make you want to take up residency. Enjoy the company of the city and take your glass of wine and Cowboy burger out onto the 2,000 square-foot patio or rooftop deck. Weekday specials, like half-price bottles of wine on Tuesdays, sweeten the sight. .

NoMI
Less intense than the main space, an upscale French restaurant at the Park Hyatt Chicago hotel, NoMI’s rooftop lounge serves lighter, seasonal fare and a variety of NoMI’s signature cocktails made with freshly squeezed juices. The 2,000-square-foot garden, with lush landscaping and sweeping city views, sits on the hotel’s seventh floor.

Rock Bottom Brewery
Sure it’s a chain, but this River North microbrewery’s in-the-thick-of-it view of the Chicago skyline solidifies its status as a killer rooftop hangout. The vista’s no well-kept secret, though; show up early as it gets crowded quickly. The rooftop has its own bar, making it easy to grab a cold Chicago Gold (pale ale) to cool down on hot days. As expected, the atmosphere and decor feel corporate, but to score refreshing brews and reasonably priced pub grub, you could do worse than hitting Rock Bottom.

Sidetrack
As Chicago’s biggest and most popular gay bar, Sidetrack has become a mainstay of the Halsted scene. Indulge in some fun, frozen drinks like the highly popular Ketel One Crush, a grape-flavored tart concoction, on its sleek rooftop deck, which has its own bar and seats 350. If you’re looking for a place to meet that special someone or just hang out with friends, add this one to your summer roster.

Pegasus
Get the best view in Greektown on the rooftop patio (open Memorial Day to Labor Day), which accommodates 160 people and boasts a full bar, live music and a spectacular view of the skyline. The al-fresco menu features an extensive selection of tapas-style appetizers and desserts.

SushiSamba Rio
A haven for chic Chicagoans, this clubby sushi bar offers a rooftop lounge perfect for people watching. Enjoy a mojito or one of SushiSamba’s many signature drinks like the Lemon Samurai (Svedka Citron vodka, apple liqueur, peach, guava), but make sure your ‘do can stand the elements ? you’re sure to be the recipient of gratuitous ogling.

Twisted Spoke
It may not feel quite like cruising on a Harley, but visitors to the Twisted Spoke’s rooftop patio can catch some rays while their hair blows in the breeze. With picnic tables and umbrellas to accommodate about 60, the casual second-floor patio at this biker-themed hangout is the perfect spot to waste away a beautiful day. The Fat Boy, a big honkin’ half-pound burger topped with your choice of cheddar, swiss, grilled onions, bacon and barbecue sauce, holds court as the restaurant’s most popular menu item. Bonus: It serves Jim Beam on-tap.

Vines on Clark
Round up the troops post-Cubs game and head on over to this outdoor anomaly: Vines rules as Wrigleyville’s only rooftop-dining venue (if you don’t count the lucky fans grilling out on their squint-and-you-can-see-the-field roof decks). The patio can also be rented for private parties on non-game days, when Lakeview locals capitalize on the quiet time to enjoy a Honey Weiss or specialty martini.

Zed 451
With a sweeping 2,300-square-foot rooftop, this carnivore’s paradise has already become a popular hang. With non-stop visits from chefs wielding large skewers of steaks, chicken and fish (for a fixed price), patrons are sure to get their fill while they bask in the sun and sip a seasonal cocktail. A large fireplace, grass, foliage and a copper-roofed clerestory add to roof deck’s ambiance.

Bottom Lounge
You’re probably here for the music, but don’t forget to scope out the rooftop deck before you leave. Located on the second-level, the outdoor locale is an extension of Bottom Lounge’s tiki-themed bar, the Volcano Room. Sip a freshly muddled mojito while taking in the cityscape view.

Terrace at Conrad
Perched five stories above Rush Street on the top floor of the Conrad Chicago hotel, this seasonal spot provides a retreat reminiscent of 1950s South Beach. A stunning bar sits out of the way from plush over-sized lounge chairs, sofas and daybeds, while umbrellas offer a little cover from the sun during afternoon outings. Tack on something from the restaurant’s globally inspired tapas menu and a pitcher of vodka lemonade or mojitos, and you’ll feel far from the street below.

NV Penthouse Lounge
Some will be impressed with the escort to the elevator and the attendant who takes you up to the 8th floor of this River North building, but the real selling point of NV is its outdoor terrace, which offers amazing views of the city. Of course, such serenity comes at a price ? on prime nights, you’ll have a tough time accessing the space without renting a cabana or being part of a private party.

Avenue Ale House
This Oak Park pub is known for heaping portions and hearty food, so make sure your stomach is empty when you cross its threshold. After all, you’ll want to enjoy every second of your time on the cool rooftop patio, a definite hot spot during the summer months. You’ll find everyone from families dining with small children to groups of friends sharing beer buckets and enjoying the occasional acoustic performance.

Shanghai Terrace
Located within the celebrity-frequented confines of the Peninsula Hotel, this fourth-floor restaurant offers upscale Chinese fare in a sleek environment filled with artwork and hand-carved wood. When the weather permits, you can head outside to the terrace for cocktails and Asian-inspired iced teas alongside a top-shelf view of the city skyline.

Like to drink outside, but afraid of heights? Check out our roundup of Chicago beer gardens and sidewalk patios.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Chi-Town Clown Revue: Halloween Show
Local clown Anthony Courser hosts a variety show featuring comic Halloween-themed musings by Dean Evans, Brad French, Jet Eveleth, El Zucadero and other acts.

The Scout Halloween Party
Hear live music by LA & Mr. Music and sip drink specials including $4 Makers Mark, $5 Jameson and $6 Patron shots as DJ Nurotic from WKSC-FM 103.5 (KISS FM) spins.

Bar Rage
Finding the best bars in Tokyo can often require a bit of detective work but your efforts will be rewarded many times over. Take Bar Rage. A tiny elevator whisks you up to this not much bigger bar overseen by the gifted Tomoyuki Kitazoe. Known for making his own fruit syrups Kitazoe is not keen on elaborate garnishes, preferring sprigs of herbs or a piece of grilled fruit. The art of mixing a coc…

Menswear designers play it by the book
Followers of men’s fashion were close to getting exactly what they wanted at this month’s inaugural Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Tokyo, with many designers — while mindful of the uncertainly in the air — pitching their collections directly at their existing fan base and seemingly keen to return to their core aesthetics.
That trend was typified on the last day of fashion week at the “Versus Tokyo” events on Oct. 22, where the giants of Japanese menswear sold the vast majority of tickets to their shows directly to the general public rather than to the usual industry insiders.

Windsor Bar
As hotel bars go, this one takes some beating. The Windsor Bar, on the third floor of the Roppongi Prince Hotel, is divided into two spaces. Its most distinctive feature is a dramatic ceiling mural in the style of M.C Escher: a monochrome moonscape glimpsed through a perspective distorting series of pillars and arches. The rest of the bar is no less original, with lots of dark green marble and bla…