In the immortal words of Ms. Donna Summer, you work hard for the money. So why is it that as soon as you’re done working for it, you’re out blowing it at the nearest two-bit after-work hang? We think you can do better, so we’ve rounded up this year’s best places to blow off steam after the whistle blows.
Reagle Beagle
160 E. Grand Ave. 312-755-9645
Some of the revelers at this Streeterville spot aren’t old enough to remember “Three’s Company” when it aired originally (it went off the air in 1984), but thanks to the magic of Nick at Nite’s TV Land, the show bridges the generation gap. This Beagle is more modern than the “Three’s Company” pub, but era throwbacks include photos of classic TV stars (from “Charlie’s Angels” to the Fonz), retro tunes (think Duran Duran), and Jack, Chrissy and Janet on the tube. The mishmash of seating is good for groups of mixed-aged office types, who inevitably rub elbows with Cubs-capped tourists. The menu is full of culinary flashbacks, such as chardonnay and Swiss fondue ($9) and a luau salad with pineapple, mandarin oranges, macadamia nuts and marshmallows ($10).
English
444 N. La Salle St. 312-222-6200
The clientele at this River North spot’s sister bars (The Central and Grand Central) leans toward young’uns, but we’re happy to report the crowd here is diverse enough that your fortysomething co-workers won’t feel ancient — and neither will you. The woody gastropub spans three floors, with plenty of group seating possibilities and ample conversation distractions, including plasma TVs and pool tables. The menu goes American with Angus burger sliders ($2 each) and bacon, spinach, artichoke and goat cheese dip ($8), but also offers England-inspired choices such as Newcastle-battered fish and chips ($8.75) and Earl Grey tea-crusted filet mignon ($26).
Tavern at the Park
130 E. Randolph St. 312-552-0070
Although you’d expect a mostly Bean-gawking tourist crowd at this new Prudential Plaza restaurant and tavern — it’s just north of Millennium Park — it’s turning out to be a refuge for the quittin’ time crew. The suit-and-tie set drinks martinis in plush leather booths, and gaggles of thirtysomething women sip wine at the bar. If your chain-restaurant loving co-worker’s idea of a fab meal requires familiar fare, this spot’s straightforward American lineup is sure to please. Choices include a club sandwich ($12), a chopped steak cheeseburger ($11) and a pork chop with cherry-cola barbecue sauce ($22).
The Gage
24 S. Michigan Ave. 312-372-4243
Located across the street from Millennium Park’s Crown Fountain, this 1930s industrial-inspired restaurant and bar is another place you might expect to be overrun with tourists. But the handsome, comfortable space is a magnet for folks looking for something other than the typical hot wings and fries to munch on while they knock back a beer after work. The menu will please the foodies in your office, with appetizers such as mussels vindaloo ($10) and an entree lineup that includes roast saddle of elk with cherry-thyme reduction ($36).
Emerald Loop
216 N. Wabash St. 312-263-0200
This Irish spot from the folks behind Corcoran’s, Mystic Celt and Vaughan’s Pub does bang-up postcubicle business — and it keeps going long after prime-time TV starts (a rarity in the Loop). The crowd is laid-back and eclectic; baseball-cap-and-jeans types mix it up with guys in loosened ties, and fresh-faced rookies rub elbows with soon-to-retire office marms.
———-
metromix@tribune.com
