A toasty couch and must-see TV can be a tempting duo when it’s a blustery, subzero evening–especially when the alternative entails freezing on an “L” platform and then trekking to a bar. But there’s no need to become a hermit when you can drive to these places with free (yes, free) parking. We can’t think of a more convenient way to keep your bod warm and social life hot.
Cozmo’s
With a free lot right next door, Lincoln Park lounge Cozmo’s makes sure that the chillin’ occurs inside the lounge, not out. Smooth blues tunes cater to the chic-but-casual twenty- and thirtysomethings who lounge here on the weekends, but this place isn’t afraid to kick back on Thursdays when the crowd pushes for hip-hop and alternative hits. You’ll never see a velvet rope snaking outside or a cover charge at the door–this spot is all about “upscale atmosphere without the attitude.” Be sure to try the Chocolate Cherry Martini, a blend of Effen Black Cherry and Godiva in a chocolate-rimmed glass. 2506-08 N. Clybourn Ave. 773-404-7414.
Moody’s Pub
Scoot from the warmth of your car into the comfort of this pub/restaurant, which has a cozy ski lodge vibe thanks to the roaring fireplace. It’s so dark inside that you’ll struggle to navigate past the thick wooden tables, but once you’re seated, you’ll find the soft lighting soothing. Hearty is the key word here–from the half-pound Moodyburgers to the hefty mugs of beer and “winter warmer” hot cocktails. You’ll feel satisfied and snuggly by the end of the meal–and with the car close by, the mood will last for the whole ride home. 5910 N. Broadway, 773-275-2696.
Morseland
The new owners have turned this former casual hangout, closed for three years, into a stylish supper club. The live music and free lot next door of yesteryear remain, but now there’s an impressive (and affordable) menu that features specialties such as cinnamon-grilled pork chops and barbecued salmon. The music is kept to a down-tempo beat during dinner hours, but after 11 p.m., tables are pushed back, and DJs spin jazz, funk and hip-hop. On Sunday nights, a live jazz trio performs. 1218 W. Morse Ave. 773-764-8900.
Ontourage
Sorry guys, but the free valet on Thursdays at Ontourage is for ladies only. Even so, this sexy, high-end club is likely to please anyone that pulls up lookin’ to party. The interior design is a combination of flirty curves and sleek, geometric shapes that give the club a futuristic feel. What’s more, a kinetic color lighting system, the only one in the city, is built into the walls and bar, which pulse blue, purple and pink to the beat of progressive techno. Scantily clad, posh professionals drop a pretty penny at the bar, but the real high rollers lounge upstairs in the VIP area, where it’s strictly bottle service. 157 W. Ontario St. 312-719-5200.
Goose Island Brewpub
With free parking, a free jukebox and more than 10 hand-crafted drafts available each day, this cheerful, family-style pub is sure to cure what ales you. Tall, sudsy pints of Honker’s Ale or India Pale Ale are the most popular orders here, but real ale aficionados have tried them all through the MBA (Masters of Beer Appreciation) Program. Knock back 35 cold ones, and you’ll get your own MBA plaque on the wall and a 64-ounce free “Growler” on your table. Soak it all up with the legendary Stilton burger, chicken wings or a gooey mound of “Beer Achos” nachos. 1800 N. Clybourn Ave. 312-915-0071.
