The Burlington
3425 W. Fullerton Ave. 773-384-3243
This new Logan Square corner tavern sports a bar top made of recycled barn wood; old church pews double as seats. At the bar, look for a mix of seasonal craft beers alongside dive bar staples PBR and Old Style. In search of specialty cocktails? Don’t expect much more than a shot of Maker’s Mark. Nightly DJs keep the beats fresh and eclectic.
What you’re saying about The Burlington:
“This kind of bar is exactly what this neighborhood needs! However … the music is way too loud. Don’t get me wrong — it is great music. But … my throat was sore the next day from yelling … ” — Great Place
“Dirt-cheap booze, cool staff, and there’s always something interesting playing, musically. Can get loud on Saturdays, but if I wanted tea time I’d stay home … ” — Good Times
Franklin Tap
325 S. Franklin St. 312-212-3262
The Financial District’s newest upscale sports bar is brought to you by the people behind afterwork Loop spots Cactus Bar & Grill and The Martini Bar. Aged spirits, more than 20 bottled beers and six 42-inch plasma TVs draw crowds.
What you’re saying about franklin tap:
“The daily specials are alluring, but [they] need the service to back it up! This place was a bust … it was not even that crowded, but the service was awful …” — Annoyed
“The service was lackluster and slow. It was a boring atmosphere … ” — Ro
“My first time there, it was not busy; however, lunch took almost an hour and a half. Many of the people in my party ordered burgers and mine was about half the size of others. Many of the buns were ice cold. … The waitress was unfriendly and unresponsive.” — Andy
The Orbit Room
2959 N. California Ave. 773-588-8540
The husband-and-wife owners of this new Logan Square spot met at Neo, where he was a manager and she tended bar. Now they run this funky, laid-back neighborhood hang with above-average bar food and great tunes, from indie to rockabilly.
What you’re saying about The Orbit Room:
“The food is good [and] the atmosphere is comfortable, but most of all, the service is very, very friendly. Both the owners and bartenders go out of their way to make you feel good while you’re there. … You’ll find an interesting mix of people and tunes. It’s really hard to not like this bar.” — Pete
“Great decor. Friendly bartenders; strong drinks. Skirt steak was excellent with fresh sides. Hate to sound like I’m overrating it, but, darn, it was good.” — Donna
“This is a great addition to the area … lighting was perfect; atmosphere [was] relaxed and comfortable. [It’s] a bit on the small side, but the staff and owners do everything possible to get you a seat … Music selection versatile: rock, blues, indie. … Drinks, plentiful and reasonably priced; great beer selection.” — Raquel
Bon V
1100 W. Randolph St. 312-829-4530
Randolph Street’s Restaurant Row got a bit more chic with the addition ofBon V. The ultra lounge, kitted out with chandeliers and other swanky swag, covers two floors of a 7,500-square-foot space.
What you’re saying about Bon V:
“Good atmosphere, friendly people and great music — plus it was not crowded. I had no problem getting a drink at the bar, and the staff was more than happy to help with drink orders.” — Jackie
“The atmosphere was great, the service was outstanding, and the energy was unstoppable.” — Bianca
“Solid bottle service upstairs; large open space downstairs. More people lounging than dancing, at least [when I was there]. Attractive waitresses, but nothing to make this place stand out over the other hot spots in Chicago.” — Mike
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metromix@tribune.com
