SAY HELLO TO . . .
Junior’s Sports Lounge
724 W. Maxwell St. 312-421-2277
Later this month, Three Headed Productions (Cans Bar & Canteen, Salud Tequila Lounge and FOUR) will add a fourth Chicago venture to its list with this University Village spot. Bears legend Gale Sayers is a partner, so expect an authentic edge to this stylish, souped-up sports lounge boasting 35 high-def plasma TVs. Junior’s also offers private, cushy booths with individual plasma screens so you can settle in with upscale American comfort food as you cheer on your team. At night, it’s bye, bye sports and hello, sound system, when DJs take the stage.
Wicker Park Tavern
1958 W. North Ave. 773-278-5138
The bustling intersection of North, Milwaukee and Damen Avenues is a great place for people-watching. This recently opened bar is, too, thanks to the tall windows. The old Borderline space has been cleaned up and polished, and outfitted with seven plasma TVs playing mostly sports. What was once an empty-feeling dive now features a redwood and mahogany bar lit by panels of amber light. There’s also lounge seating along the perimeter, which means the martini-sipping crowd’s more stylish than the previous daytime regulars.
M Lounge
1520 S. Wabash St. 312-447-0201
This South Loop jazz lounge is slated for an early January opening, though it’ll be a few months before live acts take the stage. In the meantime, get ready to kick back with a signature martini and soak in the traditional, modern and jazz-fusion sounds pumped through speakers. The contemporary space will feature honey-brown walls, comfy couches and low-slung seating in hues of cranberry, chocolate and black, plus a 28-foot walnut bar. So what’s the M stand for? The owner’s wife, MaryAnn.
Marshall McGearty Tobacco Lounge
1553 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-772-8410
While the city’s buzzing about butting out, this Wicker Park tobacco lounge has opened to provide a refuge for smokers. Quirky smoking accouterments (think elephant ashtrays) and smokes rolled onsite are the basis of this spot’s biz, making it a retail tobacco lounge exempt from the ban.
What’s that mean for you? Hit the wooden counter for a pack of freshly rolled–and beautifully packaged–Marshall McGearty super-premium cigs (in styles such as Muse, Oriental Rose and The Virginian) and snack on baked goods from Sweet Thang. Wash it down with a drink from the full coffee bar for now; once the liquor license is in place, look for wines by the glass, bottled beers and premium liquors. Mix ‘n’ match vintage furniture provides seating in the backroom; there’s also a couch and fireplace area, plus cafe tables in front. With old-fashioned flair and an eclectic, hipster edge, this rustic spot should please those looking to puff away.
Chi Bar
301 E. North Water St. 312-464-1000
Come early next year, the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers will open this cocktail bar on the east side of the lobby level. That means the U-shaped space with large windows has a prime view of the river. Settle in to the dark mahogany- and earth tone-accented space while you sip signature drinks, including one that will be served aflame. Nosh on froufrou finger food and tapas, hit the raw bar or select a rotating flatbread special.
AND GOODBYE TO . . .
Tiny Lounge (1814 W. Addison St.), Pops for Champagne (2934 N. Sheffield Ave.) and Trader Vic’s (17 E. Monroe St.). Check with the individual bars; all have plans to move or reconcept in the new year.
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kmbudell@tribune.com
