The Southport station has finally reopened, and it's looking spiffier than ever. Not that you'll notice. You're too busy thinking about where to score your next meal and drink on this lively Lake View strip.
Best of the night life
Cullen's Bar & Grill, 3741 N. Southport
What can often be one of the busiest neighborhoods in Chicago (at least during Cubs season) turns into a quaint little getaway after stepping inside this local pub. Brogue-spewing servers, heaping portions of shepherd's pie and overflowing mugs of Guinness put this bar a notch above its Irish-themed counterparts. The bartenders know how to pour the perfect pint, and though the food might seem pricey for bar fare (entrees run about $12), the inspired comfort food, like mac 'n' cheese with aged Irish cheddar, is worth it.
Good for groups
D'Agostino's, 1351 W. Addison
It may not serve Chicago's best pizza, but D'Agostino's plays the part of the pizzeria as well as anyone. Cheap domestic pitchers and square-cut, thin-crust pies top checkerboard tablecloths. Specialties run from the artery-taxing cheeseburger, taco or Italian beef pizzas to the sun-dried tomato and vegetarian specials. The ample dining room and patio are bustling on Cubs game days, when fans enjoy beer specials and watch the plasma screens in the pub section. Larger groups can book catered affairs in the revamped party room.
Cheap eats
Take Five, 3747 N. Southport
In keeping with the clever moniker, everything on the menu costs $5, from the fish tacos to the burrito to the turkey leg. In keeping with the theme, it even offers five kinds of fries: cheese, gravy topped, chili, chili-cheese and naked. Beware that the portions aren't huge, and aside from a few daily specials, drinks aren't the cheapest either. But, hey, five bucks is five bucks, and the sprawling space, nestled beneath a high ceiling and filled with dark wood and leather booths, has an airy, comforting feel.
Where to chill
Violet, 3819 N. Southport
With its cacophonous citrus-green dining room and strong Metropolis brew, bustling Violet rubs the sleep from your eyes on a weekend morning. This breakfast and lunch spot provides tasty, creative fare without the long waits or prices of the more chi-chi brunch spots. If you're in the mood for eggs, try the Mediterranean omelet. The attractive pies, cakes and pastries in the bakery case are made in-house and may be enjoyed by the glow of the fireplace in the side room.
In-the-know spot
Newport Bar and Grill, 1344 W. Newport
There's no need to leave the premises to pass the time while your clothes get sudsy at the Saga Launder. Follow the arrows out the back door and into a corridor that bridges two unlikely worlds: the laundromat and the late-night bar. Wood-paneled walls and TVs tuned to sports set the mood at Newport. With the pool table, Golden Tee and bookcase overflowing with board games like Clue and Balderdash, there's plenty of entertainment on hand.
Big Deal
Thirsty for More?
Find thousands of specials at centerstagechicago.com/deals
downtown
Dine, 733 W. Madison: $6 house martinis
Dugan's, 128 S. Halsted: $3 Smithwick's, $2.50 Michelob Ultra
Plush, 1104 W. Madison: $5 Absolut Peach cocktails, $7 Pornstars; $12 Atlantic salmon filet
Villain's Bar & Grill, 649 S. Clark: $4 drafts
west side
Aquarius Lounge, 2459 N. Pulaski: $3 shots; $1 tostada ceviche
Club Belmont, 7844 W. Belmont: $3 Corona and Mike's Hard Lemonade
People Lounge, 1560 N. Milwaukee: $4 vodka lemonade
Silver Cloud, 1700 N. Damen: $4 pints of Bell's Oberon
north side
Fizz Bar & Grill, 3220 N. Lincoln: $2.50 PBR, $5.50 Effen cocktails
Lion Head Pub, 2251 N. Lincoln: $2 PBR, Old Style and drafts; $6.99 shrimp & chips, $1 fried Twinkies
Roscoe's Tavern, 3354 N. Halsted: $12 pitchers of Stoli pink lemonade, $3 off martinis and Manhattans
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