Poitin Stil
1502 W. Jarvis Ave. 773-338-3285
Pronounced put-CHEEN still (that’s Gaelic for “moonshine”), this recently opened Rogers Park pub in the former Charmers space has an authentic edge, thanks to its County Galway-native owner. Inside, the bar’s decked out in the county’s home team color of maroon, and the exterior features a wooden window-frame facade. There’s no kitchen, but there’s plenty to nosh on when owners set out a free buffet to help guests cheer on their own home teams on game days. Or play your own games on the pool table, and don’t forget to look for live music on weekend nights, plus an open mic on Thursdays.
McFadden’s Restaurant and Saloon
1206 N. State Pkwy. 312-475-9450
State and Division Streets have a new kid on the block: the sixth location of New York-based McFadden’s. Young professionals line the 53-foot main bar early in the night, then a college crowd swarms the space to get down to DJs on the dance floor. The bar opens early (11 a.m.) and closes late (they’ve got a 4 a.m. liquor license), so you can watch a game on the plasma TVs, chow down on upscale bar fare, or lounge by the fireplace in “The Den” while you and your crew enjoy bottle service. This weekend, McFadden’s hosts a Halloween party; check metromix.com for details and find more boo bashes online in our Halloween Guide.
RiNo
343 W. Erie St. 312-587-3433
The name of this just-opened late-night lounge conjures up images of an African safari. But the River North (Get it? RiNo.) hang is anything but. Roadhouse chic interior is the name of the game: Think low-slung seating, spotted pony-print chairs, kudo horn chandeliers, exposed beams and a bar top made from the midsection of a 200-year-old tree. No matter what your poison, find it on the diverse drink menu, featuring everything from PBR to chic signature cocktails and bottle service.
RadioStar
901 W. Weed St. 312-266-1234
Come Nov. 3, this venue opens with The Awesome ’80s Prom, which promises to be a totally tubular experience. Ladies: Get out the taffeta, ’cause you’ll be dancing to “Take on Me” and other one-hit wonders at this interactive night out. That means voting for prom king and queen, and hanging with mullet-headed actors and legwarmer-clad coeds (tickets: 312-664-7766). When the show wraps its run, RadioStar (from Weed Street empire Bortz Entertainment Group) will be an all ’80s dance club complete with videos. Uh, can we request The Buggles, please?
Cabaret
15 W. Hubbard St. 312-245-3100
This cocktail boutique with glitz and glam hopes to open by year’s end, but until then, get a glimpse of the throwback to old-school destination nightclubbing in the form of the large black, white and red marquee outside this Hubbard Street hang. Also brought to you by Bortz, expect a well thought-out theme.
O Lounge and Restaurant
2813 N. Broadway. 773-665-0011
When we stopped in the new late-night hang from the Room 22 people, we found that Monsoon restaurant may have left the building, but much–practically all–of its decor remains. Sure, banquette seating, a back bar and lounge elements have been added, but the restrooms still have the Kama Sutra artwork, and the ceiling’s still draped in the same fabric. A college-age Lincoln Park crowd came in looking to be seen; we saw plenty of gel and hairspray on girls and guys. Expect mediocre bar food, signature cocktails and bottle service. (Huh? We don’t get that one. It doesn’t work here.)
minibar
3341 N. Halsted St. 773-871-6227
We’re psyched that new Boystown lounge minibar is smoke-free. We’re more psyched about the beautiful bartenders and specialty cocktails made with flavor-infused liquors. For more scoop on this new spot, check out “Model behavior” on metromix.com.
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kmbudell@tribune.com
