A beer-focused evening north of downtown
Hopleaf puts Belgian beer and a meal in Andersonville; entry is 21+. Map Room is a Bucktown beer bar with its own morning coffee service. The time of day changes the visit.
A patio by the taproom
Off Color Brewing ... Mousetrap publishes indoor seating and a dog-friendly patio. This is a taproom visit, not a promise of a full restaurant kitchen. Handlebar combines a beer garden with a food menu in Wicker Park.
Japanese drinks or a tropical room
Kumiko combines Japanese drinks and small plates in the West Loop. Three Dots and a Dash uses an alley entrance in River North. Its Bamboo Room is a separate reservation within the bar.
Whiskey with a rock-and-roll night
Delilah’s has its own whiskey-and-music character on Lincoln Avenue. DJs and special events make this a different plan from listening to a seated jazz set.