If you find yourself parched and in need of the social lubricant, may we suggest the following joints in which to partake:
Sable - This is a newer restaurant in the Hotel Palomar but really it's the new Ground Zero for cocktaliana in Chicago. The main man behind the stick is Mike Ryan. If this isn't one of the best back bars in the country right now, I'm buying.
Charleston - This is one of the last old neighborhood bars in Bucktown, recently re-opened under new ownership. What it don't have: TV's, bright lights, the Viagra/plastic surgery crowd. What it DO have: two turntables, a reel-to-reel, public phone-in-a-box at the end of the bar, a photobooth, live jazz on weeknights, sometimes grumpy bartenders -- basically everything a real bar should have. Gypsy jazz band on Thursday's is awful good for those of you in town early enough. One warning: the Charleston is CASH ONLY, but they do have an ATM.
Twin Anchors - There's been a bar on this site since 1910 and it's been the Anchors since 1932. It's in our neighborhood and we might have to stop there on the way to the reception for a cocktail. They're known primarily for two things: bbq ribs and booze. It was a favorite of Frank Sinatra for decades (a story from the '70's: “Sinatra entertained a large group of friends at the rib joint Twin Anchors last night. The guest list included Jilly Rizzo, football great Sid Luckman, Frank’s girlfriend Barbara Marx, comedian Pat Henry, composer Don Costa, pal Joey Bishop and agent Mickey Houston. Frank’s order was ‘Ribs, and keep ‘em coming!’ As usual, one of Mr. Sinatra’s bodyguards was posted at the pay phone preventing patrons from making calls that would cause a mob scene. Sinatra was very gracious about signing autographs, and was extremely generous with tipping everyone working his table $100 each.”) -- and it looks pretty much the same now as then. A scene from "The Dark Knight" was filmed here and Conan O'Brien recommends it very highly, too. If it's good enough for The Chairman of the Board, Batman & Coco -- it's good enough for you, by god.
Other Chicago classics still standing:
Green Mill
Old Town Ale House
Gene & Georgetti's
A quick spot to check for updates, bridal registry and various ramblings from the bride and groom and friends.
