$3 Bud and Bud Light bottles, Absolut cocktails and Goose Island 312 drafts, half-price nachos and quesadillas, trivia 8 p.m.

When in Rome…Drink Aperol
A popular Italian aperitivo tastes just as good stateside.

A Safe Bet
Fifty/50′s clever beer-based cocktails and superior bar eats add up to a night well spent.

Goin’ Crazy for Cava
Dana celebrates summer with some sparkling sangria at Cafe Ba Ba Reeba.

Where to Watch the Cubs

Is this the year, Cubs fans? Whatever happens to the Cubs this year, you’ll want to be there to watch it. Here are some of our picks for the best places around Wrigleyville to watch the game (and even grab some good grub while you’re at it):

More of a Sox fan? Check out these bars instead.

Full Shilling
We’ve got just three words for you: free hot dogs. Yes, the Shilling serves ‘em up before and after games (with a drink purchase, of course). And they’re amazingly fresh and good. While you can expect a full-on party atmosphere, they do their best to keep it in check and keep the drinks flowing for all. A standing special of $4 big cans of Old Style is the way to go, and they also serve a pretty good menu for a ballpark bar. But admit it, we had you at “free hot dogs,” didn’t we? Redmond’s
Located just a few blocks from Wrigley Field, Redmond’s is a world away from its rowdier, raunchier neighbors. A neighborhood pub with the requisite long, wooden bar and sometimes-sticky floor, it is home to Wrigleyville’s more sophisticated beer drinkers. Even on game days, the crowd remains somewhat reserved, seated at booths and opting for import drafts rather than the Pabst-drenched gauntlets found around the corner. It’s got Bud Light, but also serves Blue Moon (and 11 other beers on tap). Instead of dripping bottles served from tubs by indifferent bimbos, Redmond’s offers at least 25 different types of bottled beer slid across the bar by some of the friendliest bartenders in town.

Vines on Clark
Brought to you by the same owners as the Cubby Bear, Vines on Clark, the hood’s only rooftop dining venue, is a dressier way to enjoy the Wrigley Field experience. Trade the Old Style draft for a pink lemonade martini made with Svedka citron, Triple Sec, cranberry juice and sour mix, sit back and take in the cries of the crowd. On non-game days, take advantage of the free parking lot and watch all the action on one of four flat-screen TVs.

Mullen’s on Clark
This is a sports bar in the classic sense: Five TVs and two big screen projectors play the game, while beer-drinking patrons play foosball, Golden Tee and darts (the real kind, with metal tips, so watch out!). Music plays at a raucous but not deafening volume, making Mullen’s as suited to friendly conversation as it is for a little friendly competition. The backyard beer garden consists of several tables set up in the alley, offering a better chance of finding a seat and a smaller chance of having beer spilled on you.

Trader Todd’s
Perhaps best known for being co-owned by Don Gibb, who played Ogre in the “Revenge of the Nerds” movies, Trader Todd’s is more Animal House than nerd-fest. Parked out front is the “Tiki Transit,” a converted minibus that acts as a free shuttle from Trader Todd’s to Wrigley Field and back on game days, in case you can’t make the three-block walk. Trader Todd’s namesake beers are brewed in Wisconsin and include lager, red and pilsner varieties. After the game, stop back in for the place’s real attraction: karaoke.

Harry Caray’s Tavern
A relative newcomer on the scene, Harry Caray’s took over for the old Hi-Tops a few years ago and has been going strong. If you’re lucky enough to get a table, sit back and enjoy a plethora of TV screens everywhere you look — including a 10-foot HD TV in the back of the bar. They take the bar food menu up a notch with a burger bar that has plenty of options for all. And the chicken vesuvio is a favorite at all of the HC locations.

Captain Morgan Club
You can’t get much closer to the ballpark than this. Opened just last year, this bar/restaurant is actually connected to Wrigley, meaning you can enter the park through the bar’s indoor patio. As for the place itself, expect ballpark fare (hot dogs, burgers, Italian beef) brought to you by the Harry Caray’s people across the street. On a nice day, you can hang out in the outdoor patio, or come inside if the weather’s not cooperating.

Rockwood Place
Taking over the prime Clark Street real estate vacated by Grand Central, Rockwood has his the ground running in Wrigleyville. The place shoots for a more loungy feel, while still keeping Cubs fans happy. A list of flatbread sandwiches highlights a bar food-heavy menu, and a lengthy whiskey menu gives the refined baseball fan reason to cheer.

The Stretch
One of Wrigleyville’s newest additions is already in touch with its baseball-loving clientele. The bar has 13 TVs dotting a spacious interior with cedar-planked walls and new tables. A sports-friendly menu includes the Opening Day Dog, a jumbo hot dog cut in half and stuffed with cheese, wrapped in bacon and served with relish on a pretzel bun. All food is made from scratch, including appetizers (generally priced from about $7 to $12) like the deep fried mac and cheese balls or crab and artichoke dip.

Rockit Bar & Grill
If you think this version of the River North rock bar co-owned by Billy Dec is a little out of place in Wrigleyville, you’re not alone. But the bar, in its second season just steps away from the bleachers, has found a home in the ‘hood with it’s multi-level bars, moose-antler chandeliers and a comfy outdoor patio with a prime view of the Friendly Confines.

Not in Wrigleyville? There are sports bars throughout Chicagoland sure to be showing the game.

Check out Centerstage Chicago food and drink deals!

Well-done fish & all that jazz
We sent our jazz guy and our restaurant guy on 3 ‘dates’ to do the listening/tasting for you

There are places in Chicago where you go for great food, and places you go for great music. Still, we wondered: Are there places that suit both needs, without changing seats? We sent music critic Howard Reich and restaurant critic Phil Vettel out together to three places. We had Howard rate the music and Phil rate the food, and, just for fun, we let them switch hats and write about the others’ specialty. Here are their professional and amateur reviews of three places. First up: Andy’s.

Phil Vettel: Veerasway, 2 stars
Hip take on Indian fare, Randolph Street style

Hambingo
Drag diva Velicity Metropolis calls out numbers at this R-rated bingo night which benefits a rotating roster of charities.

Burkauskas’ Burger Class
Executive chef Mike Burkauskas demonstrates how to prepare the bar’s signature beef, turkey and veggie burgers. Includes sliders and beer.

Brand-New Bars

photo: Erin Drewitz

Pour Drinks & Eats

Need another reason to drink? How about a full roster of them? Just when you thought you had tabs on all the places to get a wet one, another Golden Tee machine is ordered, more Tanqueray is stocked and a new bar opens it doors. Here are some recent scene-joiners to add to your to-drink list, plus some that are on the way.

More: Find new restaurants | Daily deals
Chicago Bars A to Z | Write your own review

Bottoms Up!

Take it outside at Pour Drinks & Eats
As heavenly as the idea of beer gardens sounds, so few places get it right. Joe Parra, the general manager of this Lakeview spot, took the garden concept up a notch with moody lighting, cozy seating, flat screens and a thought-out menu of affordable fares.

Fountainhead is a welcome addition
Expect better-than-bar food options from the menu of this gastropub on the border of Lincoln Square and North Center, and a quality beer list headed by Phil Kuhl, of Sheffield’s “Beer School” fame.

Punk and porn at The Shady Lady
Those that know comeback nightlife impresario Dion Antic (Iggy’s, Harry’s Velvet Room) shouldn’t be surprised with this latest rock-sideshow project, curtained in tasseled lamps and vintage porn. The punk-themed bar takes over the former Garrett Ripley’s space.

Spring break every day at Dos Gringos Trailer Park
The party scene in Wrigleyville gets a Mexican flavor at this colorful new bar in the old Houndstooth Saloon spot. Expect the shots of tequila to flow before and after Cubs games, as this bar’s motto is “Where Wrigleyville meets Cancun.”

Fly away at Wrigleyville Wild Wings
The former Fly Me To the Moon has morphed into this wings-and-beer bar in the heart of Cubs territory. Beers are plentiful and dining options are pretty straight-forward: Get the wings.

Blue Star Wine Bar keeps a low profile
Nestled amidst the highway, a gas station, and a bevy of churches, Blue Star Wine Bar is either a hidden gem or a secret lair, depending on how you look at it. Get wine, microbrews and Mediterranean cuisine in the former Ark Cafe space in Noble Square.

A slice of Ireland at The Temple Bar
Named after a popular pub in Dublin’s nightlife quarter, Lakeview’s Temple Bar just may prove itself to be as infamous as the original. A vibrant red exterior beckons passersby and a bustling 90-seat outdoor patio makes for a tempting spot to kick back with a cold one. During the winter months, a dark-wood interior is just as inviting, with long high-top tables that seat six, and cozy two-person booths tucked way in the back.

It’s a great year for Vintage 338
Father-and-son team Tom and Christopher Barkulis fashioned their Lincoln Park wine bar after the small venues they visited during their worldly travels. The space, which seats about 30, echoes that of a quaint European restaurant and offers just as much charm.

Get dolled up at Beauty Bar
With locations in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Las Vegas (just to name a few) it was high time for Chicago to join the ranks of this chic concept bar. The bar known for its “martinis and manicures” opens Sonotheque space, offering up chic cocktails for the mostly female crowd.

Achtung! Uberstein opens in Wicker Park
The popular Wrigleyville bar gets a second location on North Avenue. Expect the same German beer offerings (in liter and half-liter steins) along with an expanded menu that goes beyond the sausage and pretzel offerings of the original.

Live music rules Club Blujazz
Nightly performances highlight this Wicker Park music lounge, run by guitarist Greg Pasenko and his wife, violinist Diane Delin, who are behind the Blujazz record label.

Sake rules at Masu Izakaya
This Japanese-style after-work bar opens in the former Minnies space in Lincoln Park. The izakaya is a traditional place for Japanese businessmen to unwind after work. This place stays true to that, offering Sapporos and sake to go along with small plates and sushi to eat.

Houndstooth Saloon gets even more southern
The popular Wrigleyville spot moves a block south — fitting since it’s probably the only Southern-themed bar in the neighborhood. Country music dominates, but Cubs fans feel right at home with plenty of TVs, beers and bar food options.

Clear your conscience at Gilt Bar
Brendan Sodikoff’s simple, fun restaurant in the old Aigre Doux space opens in River North. Chandelier lighting gives the place an old-timey feel, and compliments the cocktail and martini list.

Sip and sample in Lakeview at Cuna
Sip signature cocktails while noshing on an eclectic selection of flatbreads (don’t miss the sausage, grapes and goat cheese version), soups and salads, and “small bites” to share in Lakeview.

Harry Caray’s takes over Navy Pier
It’s a meeting of the minds for two of the biggest tourist attractions in the city, as the venerable bar opens up shop along the boardwalk at Navy Pier. Sip on a Budweiser while watching the Cubbies and dining on Harry’s famed burger bar.

A bigger version of Small Bar in Lincoln Park
The third outpost of popular bar hits Lincoln Park. Order off the same extensive beer menu as the other locations, and head upstairs to the picnic table-style seats to get a bird’s-eye view of the crowd.

Barely Buzzed

Jimmy Green’s Bar & Grill
This self-described “all-American sports bar” serves up everything from pizza to hummus in the South Loop.

Kingsbury Hall
This bar/music club hosts regular DJ events (including the Vibe on Saturday nights) in the old Crobar space.

Beer
Guess what this Lakeview bar (in the former space of short-lived spots like Purple Haze and Purgatory Pizza) serves?

The Vault
This “upperground lounge” above Vivo offers cocktails, personal pizzas and more in an old bank vault.

Sports Corner
The previously torn down Sports Corner gets new life on Addison and Sheffield, just steps from Wrigley Field. The three-story homage to all things baseball (and Cubs) will clear out after the games are over for a huge dance party.

Blue Frog 22
Kick back and have some fun at this River North spinoff of the popular Blue Frog Bar & Grill that looks more like a basement rec room. Board games and karaoke rule this bar.

Still Sober

Vintage Lounge
Expect a pool table, weekend DJs and a menu full of burgers at this Little Italy bar, opening late May or early June.

The Boiler Room
It’s all about beer and pizza at this spot from the folks behind Simone’s Bar, opening in Logan Square in June.

Moe’s Cantina (River North)
The popular Wrigleyville bar plans to open a River North outpost in June.

Exchange Urban Hang Suite
Head to this South Side for a night of bottle service or just to chill on the outdoor deck – beginning sometime in June.

Cork & Kerry at the Park
The popular Beverly bar plans to open a new location just a few blocks from U.S. Cellular Field in Bridgeport, in June.

Chizakaya
Adding to the growing izakaya (Japanese small plates bars) trend is this Lakeview spot. Opening in June, expect Japanese food without the sushi — ramen, udon, yakitori.

Blokes & Birds
This British-themed bar in Wrigleyville plans to offer communal seating, 20-plus beers on tap (including many American craft brews), pool tables and more, beginning late June.

Wolcott’s
Grab a local beer or martini and order up from the menu full of comfort food favorites at this quaint Lincoln Square bar, opening early summer. There will be TVs to watch the game and a patio coming in the summer.

Haymarket Pub & Brewery
Rock Bottom brewmaster Pete Crowley is leaving his post to open this West Loop brewpub sometime this summer.

The Bar 10 Doors
This Little Italy bar opens sometime this summer.

Tantrik
Get sensual at this new River West club, opening later this year.

The folks behind Bull & Bear and Stone Lotus will be opening a similar spot in the former Redfish space at 400 N. State St., sometime in the summer.

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At Prairie Fire, finesse elevates comfort food
Sarah Stegner and George Bumbaris have returned to Chicago with the recent opening of their second restaurant. Like Prairie Grass in Northbrook, Prairie Fire on North Clinton Street features the two chefs’ signature American comfort food prepared with classic French sensibility and ingredients from local, sustainable farms.

Speed Dating
Meet other singles during quick “interview” dates. Includes cash bar.

Crimzon Spider Rock Lounge
This pop-up bar concept moves into the banquet hall at Don Carlos featuring open mic performances and Rock Band on a projector screen.

Sweet Sips of Liberty
Pledge your allegiance to these Americana cocktails while you celebrate another year of Independence.

Whisked Away at the Violet Hour
Dana goes incognito to find a drink that’s just right.

Thanksgiving at Ajasteak
Features a six-course prix-fixe with a wine pairing option. The regular menu is also available.

$1 corndogs, $4 Dewar’s cocktails

Atomic Sketch Event
Eight established and emerging invited artists create mixed media works, paintings, drawings and more on site. When they’re done, browsers can buy the works at affordable prices ranging from $1-$50. Are you an artist? BYO sketch and paint materials and create your own pieces to display and sell.

$2-$4 appetizers in the bar 4-7 p.m.

Winter Block Party for Chicago’s Hip-Hop Arts
Features a visual art and graffiti gallery with pieces for sale, a film screening, open mic, a barber station for fades and haircuts by Sense-Rock from The Hip-Hop Barbershop, food vendors, music by DJ Itch 13, DJ Issues and DJ Seanile and live performances.

Chain Reaction: Evaluating Starbucks’ holiday drinks
Starbucks — America’s midafternoon break headquarters — dusts off the yuletide cheer in beverage form, returning three holiday beverages to its menu through the end of the year. Are they worth your hard-earned gold bullion, or more deserving of a lump of coal?